Two if by Sea

Bewitching Desires

Two if by Sea Being spelled into a painting as a topless mermaid by an inept cousin couldn’t have come at a worse time for witch Kata Macska. With only seven days in which to find her mate and conceive a daughter to carry on the family legacy, she fears failure until she discovers that her fellow castaways, hunky brothers Aaron and Adam Waters, are more than willing to share her love. The brothers are at a loss to explain how they came to be marooned on a tropical island with the woman of their dreams, but they make the most of her ability to change from a mermaid to a woman at night. Though they suspect that her family is somehow responsible for their predicament, they’ve both fallen for the lovely Kata and want nothing more than to spend the rest of their lives at her side. But are they her true mates? Genre: Contemporary, Fantasy, Ménage a Trois/Quatre Length: 27,147 words

TWO IF BY SEA Bewitching Desires

Mellanie Szereto

MENAGE AMOUR

Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

ABOUT THE E-BOOK YOU HAVE PURCHASED: Your non-refundable purchase of this e-book allows you to only ONE LEGAL copy for your own personal reading on your own personal computer or device. You do not have resell or distribution rights without the prior written permission of both the publisher and the copyright owner of this book. This book cannot be copied in any format, sold, or otherwise transferred from your computer to another through upload to a file sharing peer to peer program, for free or for a fee, or as a prize in any contest. Such action is illegal and in violation of the U.S. Copyright Law. Distribution of this e-book, in whole or in part, online, offline, in print or in any way or any other method currently known or yet to be invented, is forbidden. If you do not want this book anymore, you must delete it from your computer. WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. If you find a Siren-BookStrand e-book being sold or shared illegally, please let us know at [email protected]

A SIREN PUBLISHING BOOK IMPRINT: Ménage Amour

TWO IF BY SEA Copyright © 2011 by Mellanie Szereto E-book ISBN: 1-61034-756-0 First E-book Publication: August 2011 Cover design by Jinger Heaston All cover art and logo copyright © 2011 by Siren Publishing, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission. All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

PUBLISHER Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

Letter to Readers Dear Readers, If you have purchased this copy of Two if by Sea by Mellanie Szereto from BookStrand.com or its official distributors, thank you. Also, thank you for not sharing your copy of this book.

Regarding E-book Piracy This book is copyrighted intellectual property. No other individual or group has resale rights, auction rights, membership rights, sharing rights, or any kind of rights to sell or to give away a copy of this book. The author and the publisher work very hard to bring our paying readers high-quality reading entertainment. This is Mellanie Szereto’s livelihood. It’s fair and simple. Please respect Ms. Szereto’s right to earn a living from her work. Amanda Hilton, Publisher www.SirenPublishing.com www.BookStrand.com

DEDICATION The Bewitching Desires series is all about family and heritage, so I'm dedicating this first story to my Hungarian ancestors for their inspiration of the Macska family of witches.

TWO IF BY SEA Bewitching Desires 1 MELLANIE SZERETO Copyright © 2011

Chapter 1 “Oops.” Kata Macska’s heart jumped to her throat at her younger cousin’s squeaky whisper. Saying oops at the end of an incantation was never a good thing. Looking up from the research at her desk, she frowned at the novice in the far corner of the library. “Éva, what did you do?” Wide eyes peered back at her over the spine of an open spell book. The sixteen-year-old girl sighed. “You mean, what did I do this time. I think I misread a word.” Rising from her chair, Kata swallowed the recriminations fighting to escape her mouth. The cool wood planks beneath her bare feet calmed the unjustified flare of her temper. A deep inhale brought the comforting smells of old parchment, ink, and jasmine. She rubbed the smooth stone in her palm, reminding herself yet again to practice patience. Éva hadn’t done anything the rest of their female ancestors hadn’t in learning their craft. She was prone to more...mishaps than the average witch-in-training, but she tried her best—and Éva was hardly at fault for Kata’s less-than-perfect guidance. Between trying to locate an obscure eighteenth-century document and knowing her window of opportunity for extending the family line shrank with every passing moment, she’d been more than a little distracted from

Two if by Sea

9

her duties lately. Eight days and counting. “Let me see what happened, cousin.” Éva lowered the tome to its stand, revealing a rather large snout where her nose should’ve been. “The print was smeared. I said snout when I should’ve said stout.” Great Goddess, save us all. Crossing the room to wrap an arm around the girl’s shoulder, Kata debated asking Great Aunt Magdolna for help. The poor child could’ve easily turned her whole self into a pig. “How about we take a break? Have a cup of tea? The spell will wear off in a few minutes.” I hope. “All right.” Éva’s shoulders hunched forward and she scrunched up her misshapen face. “I’m never going to live up to everyone’s expectations. I can’t even perform a simple spell.” Kata walked to the sideboard, filling their cups before settling on the settee. Éva shuffled along beside her, clearly feeling as dejected as she looked. As she took her first sip, the snout morphed back into her slightly upturned nose. “Now, see? Didn’t I tell you it would wear off?” Ready but not willing to admit defeat, Kata pasted on a smile and fiddled with the loose braid at her neck. “Maybe we should try something less complex. Living things often react quite unpredictably to casting. Inanimate objects are much easier to control.” Her student’s raised eyebrows said she didn’t believe that for a second. “Have you forgotten about attack of the killer feather duster? I had to pluck it bare to stop it.” Good point. Thank goodness I didn’t suggest the blender for that incantation gone awry. “Let’s work on a more...contained animation. Have you read about adding movement or sound to paintings?” Setting her teacup on the coffee table, Kata scanned the shelves, trying to remember which volume gave detailed instructions for creating those particular spells. A burgundy leather cover with black lettering drew her gaze. Aha. Hmm. Why is a book about motion mixed in with the horticulture texts? Re-shelving in the wrong place

10

Mellanie Szereto

was almost worse than leaving a huge stack on the desk. Opting to retrieve it by the old-fashioned method, she strode to the ladder and pushed it along its runner to the section at the end of the room. “While I find the spell, will you bring one of your paintings from the studio?” “Does it matter which one?” “Pick your favorite.” As Éva dashed out the doorway, Kata tried to remember what the girl had finished recently. Some kind of tropical ocean landscape? A rendition of the herb garden? A portrait of a male character from one of her literature readings? A male. Imaginary butterflies swarmed in her stomach. At this point, Kata prayed a man, any unattached man, would knock on the mansion’s front gate before the next third quarter moon. The Fates had always brought a mate for the current fertile woman of the Macska clan. Had they forgotten this time? Or had they simply forgotten her? Would she be the first of her line not to produce a female baby to carry on their name? Great Aunt Magdolna's voice echoed in her mind. Have faith, daughter. Could she continue to hold onto hope with time slipping away so quickly? Footsteps in the hall brought her back to the task at hand. Climbing to the third step of the ladder, she slid the leather-bound tome from the shelf. Ad Motus. Toward motion. Her cousin entered the library, her arms cradling a medium-sized canvas. “I found the perfect picture! This is going to be so cool! I hope it works this time, um, I mean, I hope it works.” This time? Kata almost tripped over the hem of her peasant skirt as she descended the ladder. “What do you mean, this time? You don’t have the experience to control a motion enchantment spell by yourself.” “I just tried to make the water in the painting move. I wanted to surprise you. It didn’t work anyway, so what does it matter? I think I left out the mugwort.” Goddess, give me patience. At least now I know who misplaced the book. “You’d better hope it didn’t work. You could’ve put all of

Two if by Sea

11

us in danger by using magick without guidance. Not only from mistakes in your spells but from people knowing what we are. Secrecy keeps us safe.” Éva heaved a dramatic sigh and hung her head. “I’m sorry. I’ll be more careful, I promise.” “Come on. Let’s teach you the proper way so you don’t feel the need to apologize so often.” Too bad she didn't spell Prince Charming from his fairy tale. They carried their loads to the desk, setting them next to each other. Kata separated the fragile parchment pages in search of the entry her charge needed to read to re-familiarize herself with defixum ad motus—how to change a still scene into motion, making a drawing or painting come alive within the edges of the paper or frame. Twelve years had passed since she’d consulted the motion guide during her own training. She flipped a page. Another and another. The doorbell rang, momentarily diverting her attention before she focused on the headings again. Datus, defendere, defixum. “This is it. Read, or reread, this entry, Éva. Then I want you to write out a spell. Intention, method, duration. We’ll make adjustments and gather the necessary ingredients when you’re done. After that, you can try your hand at the movement spell. With supervision.” “I never noticed how much the woman in this painting looks like you, Kata. Thick brown hair, dark eyes, the dimple in her left cheek. Of course, you have legs instead of a tail. You’d make a great mermaid.” Éva grinned at her. “Oh! Is that a guy hiding behind the rock watching her? I don’t remember putting him there.” “Work on the spell, cousin.” The mix of amusement in the scolding ruined its sense of authority. To be young and carefree again... “I’m working, I’m working.” A pencil scratched across the notepad, proving that Éva was indeed making an attempt at the incantation. “Motion. Hmm, elements. Something about water and the tide.”

12

Mellanie Szereto

Studying the painting, Kata frowned. A mermaid? Maybe I’d have better luck meeting men. “Rhyming will make it easier to memorize.” “Kata?” Her head popped up at the voice calling from down the hallway. “There’s a package for you. Are you in the library?” “Yes. I’ll be right there, Auntie.” Tapping her finger on the page, she tried to tone down her normal impatient tone. “Read this, Éva. The spell will only work if it’s done correctly. Take your time writing, and I’ll be back in a few minutes to help.” She hated leaving her student alone to study, but if she hurried the poor girl wouldn’t harm anyone. Besides, without the necessary herbs and candles, the incantation stood little chance of success. Dipping her hand in the pocket of her skirt, she rubbed the polished jade oval as she hurried to the main entrance of her family’s monstrous home. Past the parlor on the right, the study on the left, to the tiled foyer with the wide staircase leading to the second floor and the apartments of her numerous relatives. Goosebumps rose on her bare arms and shoulders when she reached the still-ajar front door. She’d need a sweater over her tank top for her afternoon walk to the greenhouse. A tall man clad in tan shorts and a matching short-sleeved shirt turned toward her, a bulky, flat box balanced against his hip. Oh my! He has muscles on his muscles. The gentle breeze that made her shiver ruffled his light brown hair, and his golden eyes met hers, sending a thrill through her veins. He smiled and a dimple appeared below each carved cheekbone. Her stomach and her stupid hopes dropped to her knees. This was a man who was well aware of his effect on the opposite sex. She wanted no part of a man who would pass on vanity to her daughter. Zsofia would be modest, intelligent, and kind. If her child was conceived. “Kata Mac-ska?” His lovely baritone butchering of her name did nothing to stop the pooling of heat between her thighs. “Mach-ka. Yes, I’m Kata. Where do I need to sign?” Cool, collected, and unaffected.

Two if by Sea

13

He gave her a handheld device, his fingers brushing hers. That confident grin widened, and any lingering optimism crashed to her feet while hormones skittered through her body. “Please use the stylus to sign on the line.” Scribbling her signature on the screen, she returned the gadget and waited for him to hand her the package and leave. If she held in her frustration much longer, she’d explode. “Thanks, Kata.” Holding the box just out of her reach, he seemed to consider her. “Would you have dinner with me tonight?” Her jaw ached from clenching her teeth, but she refused to let her need for a mate dictate her choice of a man. She wouldn’t settle for anything less than the perfect prospective father, no matter her plea for any man to show up at her doorstep. “I’m...unavailable.” His smile faltered and his eyes narrowed. Holding out the package, he nodded. “Of course you are.” Grasping the box, she whirled away from him. His response implied more than simple acceptance. He was angry—no, offended by her rejection. “Witch.” His muttered insult sparked her temper, even if the term was accurate in the literal sense. He’d clearly meant it in a derogatory manner. Her skirt swirled around her legs as she jerked around to confront him. Clutching at his forearm, her emotions swelled, building in her chest and flowing toward the fingertips where she touched him. The air surrounding them began to shimmer, light bending and distorting the foyer. Stop! What’s happening? I didn’t think a spell! Looking up at the man’s face, she saw shock and fear. His amber eyes were wide and staring at her like she was to blame. Everything around them twisted and twirled. Goddess, help me! What have I done? She swayed and blinked as lightheadedness stole her sense of balance, holding tighter to the muscled forearm. A hand came toward her. His hand. Fingers dug into her shoulder and the breath was pulled

14

Mellanie Szereto

from her lungs. A light shone in the distance, growing brighter and brighter. A voice sang in her ears. Elements of motion flow, The stillness in this picture go. Make this likeness of my teacher To the mermaid so to reach her. Waters rise and waters fall, And give her life to share with all. Do no harm and blessed be. Good for all, so mote it be. Who had incanted the charm? Why could she hear the words in her head? Kata’s panic rose as the verse repeated once. Twice. And then her vision went black.

Two if by Sea

15

Chapter 2 Blinking against his wavering eyesight, Aaron Waters hoped he didn’t lose his lunch. Whatever had thrown off his equilibrium had also brought on hallucinations, because he was supposed to be standing just inside the doorway of the Macska mansion. He wasn’t lying on a beach with the sun beating down on his sweaty face. Surf wasn’t pounding onto the sand less than fifty feet from him. The most important fact—mermaids only existed in fairy tales. The iridescent green one at the edge of the water was a figment of his imagination, her naked tits wishful thinking. He rolled over, levering to his feet. Sand clung to his arms and the backs of his legs. He brushed it away. Damn, when he lost his mind, he went fully delusional. After two hellish weeks, the search for his missing brother had finally pushed him off the deep end. Adam. His last known whereabouts had been a delivery stop at the huge, gated estate a few miles from town, the truck parked near the entrance. The police had questioned the residents about the disappearance. They’d claimed he hadn’t come that day with any packages. Surveillance videos of the drive leading to the sprawling manor supported their statement, but Aaron couldn’t shake the feeling that they had something to do with Adam vanishing. Today, Aaron had succeeded in talking the old woman into letting him inside the house. Then Kata, the recipient of his delivery, had reacted to his casual flirting with claws out, ready to draw blood. Under normal circumstances, he would’ve taken more time to get to know the beautiful Kata Macska before asking her to dinner. His desperation to discover a lead on Adam had forced him to come on far

16

Mellanie Szereto

too intense. He’d intended to come on strong—just not that strong. He really shouldn’t have called her a witch, either. The hurt and anger in her eyes had shocked him. And then the surge of energy and the flashing, swirling colors had started, bringing him to this place. Kicking off his shoes, he stripped the socks from his feet and dug his toes in the soft, warm sand. He glanced at the green-scaled woman. Why did she lie on the beach instead of frolicking in the ocean...sea...lake? Whatever the hell the water was. Did mermaids take naps? She hadn’t moved since he’d first noticed her. What if she needed to stay wet to live? The tide had already gone out at least a couple feet in the minutes since he’d roused from the stupor. Would she die because she couldn’t get to the water? Damn, even his hallucinations were complicated. He took several steps toward her, watching for the rise and fall of her chest while trying unsuccessfully to stave off his cock’s reaction to her naked breasts. Too damn long since I’ve made love to a woman. Of course, being a sea creature, she might have gills like fish instead of a pussy—and fish didn’t survive long out of water. With three more quick steps, he bent down to lift her into his arms and carry her into the ocean. Gentle waves lapped at his calves, then his thighs, until he stood waist-deep, letting the surges of surf wash over the smooth scales that covered her body from curvy waist to disconcerting tail. Droplets splashed onto her ripe nipples and her dark hair fanned out on the surface of the water. He couldn’t resist brushing his lips over hers. Soft, full, perfect. She seemed to exhale and her eyelids fluttered open. His breath caught in his lungs from the deep brown eyes staring back at him. The mermaid. She was Kata? What the hell? She stiffened, struggling against him. More afraid of hurting her than her drowning, he released her into the water. With a graceful flip of her tail, she dove under the surface, the shadow of her sleek form fading as she swam farther from him and deeper into the sea. A moment later, she was gone.

Two if by Sea

17

Watching for a glimpse of her shimmering scales, he stood in the receding water for what seemed like hours. If she emerged for a breath, he didn’t see her. Finally giving up on her returning, he trudged to the beach, studying his surroundings for some other sign of life. Palm trees formed a line of lush green tropical forest not far from where he’d awakened. Their leaves swished in the light breeze, blending with the melodic shush of the waves. But something was missing. Probably a good idea to explore while the sun is still high in the sky. Maybe he could find some food. Figure out shelter for the night, in case he still hadn’t found his way back to reality—if night existed here. He carried his socks and shoes toward a fallen tree. Dry sand had rubbed off his skin and clothing easily enough, but now he was soaked through. Sitting on the beach would be a bad move. With his socks and shoes on, he took half a dozen cautious steps into the underbrush then stopped to listen for scurrying footfalls of rodents and menacing sounds of predators. Getting eaten during his delusion could prove to be as deadly as real life. Still nothing but the sound and movement of the trees and the ocean. Weird. The whole situation struck him as odd, although he couldn’t quite put his finger on the reason. He finally realized why. No birds in the sky or the trees. No insects biting at me in the dense growth. No other living animal within sight or earshot. Had he dropped into an episode of The Twilight Zone? This already strange situation became weirder by the moment. Moving deeper into the forest, he found a banana tree and two coconuts at the base of a palm tree. He wouldn’t starve. The bananas were a little riper than he liked, but stranded mental cases couldn’t be choosy. He pulled six from the lowest bunch, picked up the coconuts, and headed back to the beach. The sun had moved toward the western horizon in his absence, assuring him night would come to his castaway island. He searched the waves again as he ate his supper. Only flecks of white foam shone

18

Mellanie Szereto

in the clear blue-green waves. Kata, where are you? **** Having spent hours in the water, Kata knew she couldn’t escape her...aquatic form or the invisible walls of this world. She’d skimmed along the bottom of the ocean, hidden from view, without surfacing for a breath in all that time. She’d also reviewed the events leading up to her transformation and come to the conclusion Éva had attempted the defixum ad motus spell on her own. Whether by accident or design, the novice had gone far beyond a simple mistake. The painting had consisted of a tropical island with a mermaid lounging in the shallows and a man hiding behind a boulder near the trees. Kata was now the mermaid and the deliveryman had the same hair color as the Peeping Tom. Too many coincidences to be anything except Éva’s magickal touch. Unfortunately, only she or Great Grandmother had the power to correct the blunder. Kata’s attempts to incant spells to change her form, transport herself home, or contact Great Aunt Magdolna had failed. How long until someone noticed she was missing? Did time even pass at the same rate? Most importantly, how on Earth would she explain to the man trapped in the picture with her what had happened to them? The bright, nearly full moon lit her rise to the surface. With any luck, he wouldn’t see her from the beach. She could see him, however. He sat against a log he must’ve moved from the edge of the trees. He’d removed his shirt, revealing a muscular chest, stomach, and shoulders. Her body responded with a spasm in her womb and tightening between her thighs. Except she no longer had thighs, or legs. Let’s not forget I’m topless. Moving to shallower water, without thinking, she tried to stand. Water splashed around her as she tumbled sideways. As if I can do that with a fish tail.

Two if by Sea

19

“Kata? Are you there?” The urgency in the deliveryman’s voice told her he’d heard the splash. “Kata?” Swimming parallel to the beach, she stayed beneath the surface until she was certain he couldn’t see her. She peered toward the log where he’d been sitting, but he wasn’t there. He stood at the water’s edge like he was trying to find her. He'd obviously recognized her when he’d held her in the waves earlier. She could hardly claim he’d been imagining that she was a mermaid. He’d seen with his own eyes that she was part fish. Explaining her true nature as a witch wasn’t an option, either. She wouldn’t endanger the secret lives of her family. Another silent dive took her even farther away. When she rose to the surface, she settled on her back, floating while she looked up at the twilight. The first star flickered on above the eastern horizon, just to the north of Saturn and lower in the sky. Arcturus. Its light drew her gaze and sent a tingle through her tail. She started to sink, and she flipped it to gain her balance. Another splash. This one caused by her feet kicking at the water. Feet? I’m human again! However, she could hardly stand up and walk out of the water onto the beach—because, Goddess help her, she was naked. **** Aaron waited for another splash. The first had come from close to his seat on the beach. Half convinced he hadn’t actually heard the second, he stood stock-still at the water’s edge. The tide had risen since his return from his foraging expedition, narrowing the stretch of sand he called home. He’d explored every inch of it after his lessthan-satisfying meal. Rocks and trees barred his way past the cove, and unless he wanted to swim to find another beach, he was stuck. Kata the mermaid was not. She had the run of the ocean, the freedom to leave this deserted island behind if she chose to. She might even live in an underwater mermaid community and have more of her kind to talk to and interact with. Aaron, on the other hand, was going

20

Mellanie Szereto

crazy—or crazier—with no one around and nothing to do. Sure, he could make some tools, build a shelter, and gather more food, but he preferred to pretend this mental vacation would end sooner rather than later. Splunk! He whirled toward the far end of the cove, hoping for a glimpse of Kata or ripples to show her presence in the water. Only gentle laps washing away markings in the wet sand. Footprints? Was someone else here with him? Someone other than Kata the mermaid? Sprinting across the packed sand, he bent to check the size and shape of the prints, but the surf had distorted them beyond recognition. “Hello? Is someone there?” Frustration bubbled in his chest at the silence. Why wouldn’t anyone answer? His gut told him someone else was here. He’d have to think of a way to entice whoever it was out of hiding. “Are you hungry? I have some food.” He slowly moved toward his log, holding up a banana when he reached his small cache. “It’s okay. I won’t hurt you.” He sat on the palm trunk and waited. And waited. And waited. Shaking his head, he finally gave up and moved down to the sand. Exhaustion weighed on his body and mind. With a tired sigh, he set the banana an arm’s length from him on the log and felt for his shirt to use as a pillow. It wasn’t there. Had the wind blown it toward the tree line? He peered over his backrest toward the forest. In the bright moonlight he should’ve been able to see it, but it was gone. One more annoyance to add to his frustration. Settling his cheek on his cupped hands, he closed his eyes and hoped he woke up in the real world tomorrow morning. **** All her practice of silently walking in the woods paid off for Kata. Somehow, she’d managed to slip through the leafy plants and rough rocks at the end of the cove without detection. Tossing a stone into

Two if by Sea

21

the water to distract the much-too-attractive castaway had been a stroke of genius. His shirt now covered her from neck to mid-thigh. As soon as he fell asleep, she’d slink out of the underbrush to take the offered fruit. Then she’d find her own place to bed down until the sun rose and she could concoct a spell to contact Great Grandmother. She listened for slow, even breaths. A heavy sigh. A growl. Rustling of sand against skin. An endless wait later, he finally quieted. She counted to five hundred to be sure he wasn’t awake, and then she crept into the open. One step. Two steps. Three steps closer to the log. Another pair brought her within reach. Her fingers wrapped around the banana, gripping it while she lifted it from its perch. Creeping back to her hiding spot, she didn’t breathe until she lay under huge draping fronds. Her hands shook as she peeled the fruit and forced herself to take small bites to make her only food last. In the morning she would have to venture deeper into the brush to find more, or starve. She’d expected to find kelp and other plants in the ocean, along with fish and shellfish, but she'd seen nothing but water and sand. Éva had missed numerous details when she’d put brush to canvas, not the least of which was putting succulent plants belonging in the desert on a tropical island. Hopefully, she’d discover a spring, too. They wouldn’t survive long without fresh water to drink. Since the deliveryman had shared his food with her, he deserved a helping of whatever she found. Perhaps she’d misjudged him during their brief interaction at her front door. A conceited Casanova wouldn’t think to offer his limited food supply to a complete stranger. Nor would he have shown any interest in whether or not she’d made the splashes. Giving him a second chance to make a first impression seemed like the right thing to do. She might even show herself now that she wasn’t naked or a mythical sea creature missing a pair of strategically placed shells. If they worked together, the chances of lasting until they were rescued

22

Mellanie Szereto

from the painting would probably increase. Swallowing the final bite of banana, she debated moving to a different location for the night. A yawn urged her to stay put and give in to the need for sleep. As tired as she was, any attempt to contact Great Grandmother would fail. She and the deliveryman could survive on the island until morning. **** The hand that had taken the fruit from the log was too small to belong to a man, and too large to belong to a child. A woman or young adult was trapped in this tropical island hallucination with him and Kata the mermaid. Aaron might’ve been resting, but he hadn’t been asleep when whoever had accepted his gift had crept up to grab it. The nearly silent rub of skin against sand had tipped him off to the approach, and the same retreating sound ended with the subtle swish of leaves moving. His fellow inhabitant had chosen to hide in the forest. Silence had ruled since the departure. Adjusting his position, Aaron relaxed his muscles and continued to listen for movement. For all he knew, natives lived here as well and were waiting for him to go to sleep so they could capture him. Maybe they were cannibals and wanted to eat him. Hey, I have the right to be paranoid. I am losing my mind. Talking to himself proved it. A crack that could’ve been a stick breaking came from farther down the beach. Not from the trees. His visitor hadn’t made a noise in...twenty minutes? Impossible to tell with no clock. His watch had frozen at one forty-two, the time he’d flipped out. No human was capable of moving through thick underbrush without rustling the foliage. Someone else was in the cove. Slowly turning his head, he opened his eyes to scan the direction of the sound. His gaze landed on the silhouette of a man. Aaron held his breath as he studied the figure with a build similar to his own and slightly shaggy brown hair. His gut should’ve been screaming at him

Two if by Sea

23

to be on guard, but for some reason his instincts said no danger existed. Then the man faced him with his features illuminated by the moon’s light. Aaron blinked, sure his mind was playing more tricks on him. “Adam?”

24

Mellanie Szereto

Chapter 3 After two weeks of confusion and not having seen another living soul, Adam jerked his gaze toward the voice, certain he’d finally succumbed to total insanity. He’d been parked on the side of road in his delivery truck talking on his cell phone one second. The next, he’d landed on a deserted tropical island. As if that wasn’t bad enough, he now was also hearing voices. Not just any voices. His older brother’s. Yep, I’m nuts. “Adam? Is that you?” A shadow rose from along a palm trunk that had been at the edge of the tree line when he’d trekked inland for supplies earlier that day. “Who’s there?” If he was already crazy, answering wouldn’t make him any loonier. Straightening, the shadow morphed into a near mirror image of himself. Aaron. Relief flooded Adam’s mind. “Damn, it is you. You have no fucking idea how glad I am to see you, Adam. And keep your voice down. Someone else is here somewhere.” His brother strode toward him, not stopping until he enveloped Adam in a hug. “I’ve been trying to find you for two weeks. How the hell did you get here?” If he’d known the answer to that question, Adam might’ve been able to get himself back home. “Damned if I know. How did you get here? By the way, don’t ever ask to switch routes with me again.” Releasing him, Aaron took a step backward. “Beats the shit outta me. I was making a delivery at the Macska mansion and then I was here, carrying a...mmm...into the water.” “A what?”

Two if by Sea

25

Aaron shoved his fingers through his hair. “You’re going to think I’ve lost my fucking mind.” He pursed his lips for a couple seconds. “A mermaid who looks just like Kata Macska.” Yeah, his brother had lost his mind too. “A mermaid?” “See, I told you you’d think I was crazy.” Aaron paced to the shoreline and back again. “A mermaid. Long brown hair, shiny green scales from her waist down, and a flipping tail. Minus the seashell bra.” His cupped hands rose to form what had to be a pair of tit covers. “I was standing with Kata at the front door when this weird swirling, flashing-lights thing happened, and then I was waking up here on the beach. She was down next to the receding tide but in the wet sand. I thought she might need water to breathe, so I carried her into the waves. When she woke up, she dove into the water. I haven’t seen her since.” A coincidence? “I was parked near their front gate when the same thing happened to me. I stopped to answer a call from the office about a package. Colored lights kind of sucked me into this...vortex and I landed here. Except there wasn’t a mermaid on the beach. I’ve been as far inland as I can go. I’m the only person here. Well, until you and the half-naked fish princess arrived.” “You mean nobody else was here before we...dropped out of the sky? You didn’t take the banana I left on the log, did you? Or my shirt?” “Why the hell would I take your shirt? I have one of my own. And I didn’t steal your banana.” Aaron started pacing again. When he’d made two laps, he stopped in front of Adam. “I think there’s another person on the island. Besides Kata, I mean. I spread my shirt out on the log to dry, and when I walked down to see if Kata had returned, it disappeared. I’m pretty sure I saw footprints in the sand too, but they washed away before I could get a good look. It’s either another woman or a teenager. Too big to be a kid and too small to be a man.” Two guys stranded on an island with a woman and a mermaid?

26

Mellanie Szereto

Could Eve live in this Garden of Eden? Maybe insanity had its benefits. Adam sure as hell didn’t mind the snake staying away though. “Where did the thief go after she stole your banana?” “She didn’t steal it. I heard a splash in the water and saw the footprints, so I called out to see if anybody answered. I said I’d share my food.” Aaron pointed to the tree line. “She went in the underbrush about right there. Probably not very far, because I didn’t hear much rustling.” “You’re sure the mer—um, Kata didn’t swim, er, crawl out of the water and take your stuff?” Damn, if he wasn’t already fitted for a straitjacket, this conversation would give him a shove in the right direction. “There weren’t crawl marks, and no mermaid could move that fast on land.” Rubbing his jaw, Aaron turned toward the ocean. “At least, I don’t think so. I’m worried about her. She just disappeared. What if she was hurt?” His brother seemed truly concerned for Kata Macska’s safety. How the hell must she feel being changed into a mermaid? They thought they had problems. “The moon’s going to set behind the trees soon, and it’ll be too dark to look for her. Why don’t we get some sleep for now? We can search for her and your thief in the morning.” After a sigh, Aaron followed him to the log. Adam reached into the hollow end. “I made a sleeping mat out of reeds. It’s big enough for both of us. That way you don’t have to sleep in the sand.” “How the hell did you last two weeks here by yourself?” They unrolled the length of woven leaves where Aaron had been lying. “I mean, nobody to talk to. Not knowing where you are or how to get home.” Settling on the mat, Adam shrugged. “I freaked a little at first, but then I started thinking about my life. I’m twenty-seven years old. No girlfriend, no wife, no kids. You and I run the delivery company, go out for pizza and a beer, and share an apartment. Don’t get me wrong. For an older brother, you’re less of a pain in the ass than most, and

Two if by Sea

27

you’re as much a friend as a brother. I just wanted to do something important.” Aaron stretched out next to him. “Try being thirty. I figured I would’ve met the right woman by now. Hell, I don’t even enjoy dating. How am I supposed get married and have a couple kids? Before Kata and I got sucked into this tropical paradise, I asked her to dinner. You know what she said? ‘I’m unavailable.’ Yeah, I had an ulterior motive for asking, but still. I try to smile and act friendly and women look at me like I’m suggesting they jump straight into bed with me. I wanted to go out with Kata to get to know her, not just question her about your disappearance.” “You gave her the smile?” Adam laughed. “I told you not to do that. It makes you look cocky.” “So I can’t even try to be nice? Good thing we’re stuck here then.” Scratching his chest, Adam watched the moon dip lower over the forest. “You still have a second shot with Kata. Of course, I’m not exactly sure how to have sex with a mermaid.” “You had to remind me she isn’t human, didn’t you?” Aaron rolled onto his stomach. “I’m going to sleep. When we wake up in the morning, let’s try to be back home.” Adam shook his head. He’d gone to bed every night for two weeks hoping he’d find himself in his own room the next day. Not going to happen, brother. “G’night.” **** Kata woke up to bright sunshine filtering through the large leaves of her hideout. She blinked, trying to clear her head, but the dizziness wouldn’t go away. Her body ached and she thought she might die of thirst. An attempt to roll to her side failed. Her legs wouldn’t cooperate at all. Levering up on one elbow, she fought a wave of nausea and

28

Mellanie Szereto

tried to see past a narrow opening between the overlapping fronds. The sound of the ocean called to her. She had to get to the water. She tried once again to move her legs beneath her to stand. They felt trapped, bound together so tightly she wanted to scream in frustration. Finally, she saw the reason for her troubles. “No. Not again. No, no, no!” She smacked at the vegetation, but she was too weak to escape her bed in the plant. “Let me out!” “Who’s there?” A male voice invaded her hysteria. “Where are you?” “Help me! I can’t get out!” Another bout of lightheadedness assailed her, and she lay back against the base of the plant. She grew weaker by the moment. “Please help me.” The rustle of underbrush surrounded her. “Where are you?” Her throat stung as she forced out a pathetic squeak. “Help.” Light flooded her hideout, but her eyes were already closing even as she labored to stay conscious. “We have to get her to the water! Hold the leaves so I can reach her!” Arms cradled her and she bounced against hard muscle. Then refreshing moisture lapped at her skin, easing the panic and saturating her pores. The feeling of utter dehydration faded, and she relaxed into the life-giving fluid. **** Relief at having found and saved Kata finally won out over the rush of dread Aaron had experienced seeing his beautiful mermaid beached again. The absolute terror in her voice had hit him square in the heart. If he and Adam hadn’t heard her panicked calls, she might’ve died, suffocated from lack of water. Waves gently broke around her magnificent tail as he held her in chest-deep surf. He tightened his grip in hopes she wouldn’t swim

Two if by Sea

29

away again. She felt too damn perfect in his arms to let her go, and his cock was responding to the curve of full tits against his chest through the thin layer of his now-soaked and nearly transparent missing shirt. He also remembered the breathtaking sight of her incredible bare breasts. His brother stood beside him, staring at the amazing creature with a stunned expression. “A mermaid. She really is a mermaid.” No kidding. Adam evidently hadn’t noticed she wore a shirt identical to his, caught up as he seemed to be in his glimpse at a fairy fairy-tale being. Aaron had been certain Kata couldn’t have taken his shirt or the banana last night, but her attire spoke to the contrary. How had she gotten so far up on the beach when she didn’t seem capable of getting herself back into the ocean this morning? In the bright sunlight, a search of the sand near the log had revealed muted footprints, not handprints alongside a wide swath of body trail. “Thank you.” Dark eyes looked up at him. “You saved my life.” He stated the obvious, too bombarded by physical reaction and mental confusion to think straight. “Kata, you’re a mermaid.” “Yes.” She leaned her head against his chest and closed her eyes. “How? I mean, I didn’t change. Neither did Adam. What happened?” She nibbled on her lower lip, sending a jolt of desire to his balls. “I...I don’t know.” A sudden swell of water had her flinging her arms around his neck. “Adam?” Relishing the softness of holding this gorgeous woman, Aaron tried to keep his train of thought from derailing. “My brother, the one who disappeared outside the gate to your property. He’s here too.” Her sudden squeak had him adjusting his grip on her hips as she jerked her gaze up to meet his. Her eyes widened. “Oh, no. She didn’t. I tried to tell Aunt Magdolna I shouldn’t—” The rush of words abruptly ended, making him wonder again if her family had something to do with Adam’s vanishing act. But then why would she have been dumped in this alternate reality with his

30

Mellanie Szereto

brother and him? “Don’t I get an introduction?” Adam slogged through the water to stand at the mermaid’s sexy tail. He’d always loved long legs on a woman, but the sparkling scales on Kata’s shapely fish body could easily change his mind. Her curves were inspiring. “I’m Adam Waters, Aaron’s brother, and you must be Kata.” She hesitated before taking his outstretched hand. A zing of electricity ran straight to his dick. Would he have to compete with his brother for the attention of this beauty? “Yes, I’m Kata.” Her voice blended with the music of the surf to form the most hypnotic melody. “Adam and Aaron. I’m sorry you’re trapped here.” Interesting choice of words. “Why are you sorry? You didn’t send us to this place, did you?” She broke eye contact, looking past him, and inadvertently setting off his radar. “No, I didn’t.” Maybe she hadn’t, but his instincts told him she was hiding something. Or he was paranoid from spending the past two weeks with no one but himself for company. For now, he’d give her the benefit of the doubt. “Okay. Want to tell us how you ended up wearing Aaron’s shirt? The only mermaid I’ve ever seen walk on two legs was in a Disney movie.” Burying her face against his brother’s chest, she sighed. “I really hoped I wouldn’t have to try to explain that.” Aaron nuzzled her hair, sparking an unexpected pang of jealousy in Adam’s stomach. “It’s okay, Kata. We’re all in this together.” Casting a glance between them, she nibbled her lip again. “I’m not sure what happened. I was floating in the water last night, watching the stars come out, and I...just changed. One minute, I had a tail and scales. The next, I had legs. And...I was...naked. I could hardly walk onto the beach without any clothes on, so I tossed a rock into the water to distract Aaron while I snuck over to take his shirt.” “I knew you were there!” Aaron’s proclamation made her jump. “I

Two if by Sea

31

called for you. Why didn’t you answer me? I would’ve given you my shirt and you wouldn’t have had to hide in that jungle. You took the banana I offered too?” She nodded. “I was embarrassed, and I had no idea what you’d think if I told you what happened.” Adam couldn’t resist stroking his palm along the length of her pretty green scales. “Like Aaron said, we’re all in this together. At least now we know there isn’t a thief running around the island too. Promise you’ll let us help you. You must’ve been hungry when you took the banana. Didn’t you find any food when you were swimming around?” “I was really hungry. I thought I’d find fish or seaweed or something to eat, but it’s just water and the ocean floor.” Her muscles trembled under his fingertips. “Is there any food besides bananas on the island? Any fresh water?” His hand caressed another path from hip to tail. “I’ve been living on coconuts, mangoes, and a few other fruits since I started exploring the forest. I have a stash from yesterday if you’re hungry. And there’s a spring about half a mile inland.” Aaron let her slip from his arms, but kept hold of one hand. “Why don’t you move as close to shore as you feel comfortable, and Adam and I will carry down enough food for all of us to eat breakfast?” “Thank you.” Her lyrical voice was barely audible over the sound of the waves. Adam reached for her other hand, guiding her through the water as he and Aaron walked toward the beach, with Kata’s tail trailing behind her near the surface.

32

Mellanie Szereto

Chapter 4 Diving into the aqua sea, Kata hoped the wait-an-hour-beforeswimming rule was an old wives’ tale, because she eaten more than her fill of fresh fruit with Aaron and Adam. They’d seemed reluctant to let her out of their sight, but the clear, blue-green water called to her, and she couldn’t resist. She’d promised to return if she got hungry or tired, pacifying their worries about her safety. Both men expressed concern over her illness this morning. Her first impression of Aaron had been so far off base. He was a nurturer, while Adam had the carefree spirit of a younger sibling, but their similarities far outweighed their differences. They shared an innate kindness and the same light- brown hair and amber eyes, even as Adam openly flirted with her and Aaron seemed responsible and serious. With a quick flutter, her tail propelled her forward. The movement brushed her hair from her face, sending it trailing out behind her, and the warm silkiness of the ocean smoothed over her shoulders and arms. The rush of water tested the strength and stability of the makeshift bikini top Adam had fashioned from vines and several layers of leaves, but it held. The brothers promised to have a shirt ready and waiting for her when she morphed into a human again. If she did. She thought she’d detected interest in both their gazes as she headed into deeper surf. Being alone on a deserted island with two attractive men put her in an awkward position. If she chose one over the other, she might drive a wedge between them. Given her narrowing time frame in which to conceive the next daughter in her

Two if by Sea

33

family, she couldn’t afford to rebuff either man. She had to have sex with her child’s father to make her child. Not knowing who he was complicated the situation further. For all I know, neither is fated to be my mate. Wouldn’t that be just like the Fates to give her a pair of men at the last possible moment of conception and still doom her to failure in carrying on the line? Skimming along the sea floor, she tried to shake off the negative thoughts. She was probably wrong about them wanting her anyway. Well, not the wanting. Sex didn’t indicate an emotional connection for many men. It was simply physical gratification, and sex without love, or at least mutual caring, meant she wouldn’t get pregnant. Her daughter had to be the product of a meaningful relationship. The gift of her family. Or the curse, in her case. The likelihood of Aaron or Adam falling in love with her in the next seven days was slim, if either was even her mate. It they weren’t, the chances looked impossible. She might be stuck in Éva’s painting forever, especially since her attempt to contact her great grandmother hadn't been successful. Great Aunt Magdolna, I wish I had your wisdom and patience. **** “This way.” Adam led Aaron through thick vegetation, deeper into the forest. Aaron swiped the rain from his face, hoping his brother knew where he was going. “Does it rain every day?” “Yeah, every morning. At least since I’ve been here.” Holding back a huge leaf, Adam let Aaron pass through the narrow opening. “It breaks up the monotony of perfect weather. With you and Kata on the island, that shouldn’t be an issue. Someone to talk to, a beautiful woman to look at, the possibility of sex.” Aaron’s gut twisted and his temper sparked. “What the hell do

34

Mellanie Szereto

you mean? I saw her first, and whether or not either of us gets laid is up to her.” Stopping in front of him, Adam turned and frowned. “You saw her first? What kind of excuse is that? I said the possibility of sex. I sure as hell wouldn’t force her, even if we’re stuck in mermaid heaven for the next fifty years.” His brother was right. Calling dibs on a woman was out of line, especially when they had no idea whether she liked either of them. Sex had crossed his mind, too. Aaron had the feeling Kata might smack them both if they got territorial over her. Considering how she’d dealt with her problems last night, she probably had an independent nature. Time to level with Adam. “I’m sorry for jumping down your throat. It’s just that I like her. From the second I saw her walking to her door, I wanted to know her. Since we appeared here, I have the urge to protect her. She seems so fragile in some ways.” With a nod, Adam’s stance relaxed. “We’re all stressed from not knowing how we got here and if or when we’ll go back. I didn’t mean to sound like a horny bastard, but I’ve had two weeks to think about all this stuff. I can’t live the rest of my life without a woman. A guy has needs.” That was a point they agreed on. Aaron’s cock had gone into overdrive while holding Kata in the ocean earlier. A hint of dark nipples through the nearly see-through shirt had sent every drop of blood in his body southward. After having seen her topless yesterday, he hadn’t had to use his imagination to recognize the firm roundness of her unbound tits. Her pretty brown nipples had budded into mouthwatering tight nubs, topping a pair of luscious mounds of flesh. Her body had cast a spell on him. Adam too, evidently. How would they avoid what seemed like an inevitable end to their closeness? “I don’t want her coming between us, no matter how I feel about her.” Adam waved his hand and began walking again. “The whole sex thing might not be an issue. What if she stays a mermaid? Not that she

Two if by Sea

35

isn’t a freaking wet dream with those smooth scales and that sexy tail, but what if she doesn’t get her legs back?” What if? Too many of his and Adam’s questions were based on what-ifs. Maybe they should take one day at a time, deal with those issues as they came. “Don’t even think it. Her problems are exponentially greater than ours. She has to live in the ocean, or die. Alone, with nobody to talk to all day. She has to rely on us for food. Keeping her happy comes before everything else.” They walked in silence for several minutes, only the sounds of rain dripping through the trees and the movement of plants as Adam and Aaron made their way inland. Then, as quickly as it started, the rain stopped and sun cut through the clouds. Mist rose from the jungle floor to muffle even the brush of leaves. “The spring.” Adam pointed to a steady trickle coming from a joint in a tumble of boulders. “I save the shells from the coconuts to carry water. I’ve been bringing them with me when I make the trek inland so I always have a supply. We’ll have to make three or four trips to have enough water for the day.” Picking up a coconut bowl, Aaron hesitated a few inches from the stream. “How do you know it’s safe to drink?” “I don’t, but it’s the only source I’ve found. Drink and die from bad water, or don’t drink and die of dehydration. I took my chances and got lucky.” Aaron had to give his brother credit for taking such a pragmatic approach to his situation. For a seemingly carefree guy, Adam had realized the seriousness of being stranded and had handled it well. He deserved Aaron’s respect. “I’m glad you’re okay.” Giving him a doubtful look, Adam laughed. “You say that now, but just wait until we’re discussing sleeping arrangements tonight.” A growl rumbled out before Aaron could swallow it. “I don’t want to have to kick your ass over a woman.” “As if you could, big brother.” Turning to meet Adam’s gaze, Aaron shook his head. “We have

36

Mellanie Szereto

enough problems without you trying to create more. Can we agree to let Kata make the first move?” “Sounds fair.” “When we’re done hauling water and food, we should weave a couple more mats.” No matter what Adam thought about his odds for getting laid, they weren’t going to pressure Kata to choose. **** Carrying an armful of long reeds to the beach, Adam calculated the hour by the angle of the sun in the sky. Three o’clock. Maybe four. He and Aaron had spent the morning and the early afternoon stockpiling enough food and drink to last until tomorrow. Now, they were making sleeping mats for Aaron and Kata. Their gorgeous mermaid had returned to the shallows for a light lunch, her mood brighter than the uneasy embarrassment during her explanation of transformation and clothes-and-banana-stealing. She’d seemed friendly, almost flirtatious, like she’d realized she controlled the extent of their interaction. Which she did. She had two men with stiff pricks, hoping for a piece of...tail. That same pair of fawning males brought her all the fruit she could eat. They were making a bed for her. She held their fates in her delicate hands. If she wanted to be alone, she could swim for hours without worrying about drowning, and they had no way of stopping her. Adam lowered his load of reeds to the sand, glancing over at Aaron’s handiwork on Kata’s mat. “We should have enough to finish hers and make a bigger one for you. Any sign of her?” “No.” Aaron swiped at the sweat dripping from his forehead. “Want to take a break and go for a swim?” “Sure. We still have plenty of daylight to get done with the mats.” His brother’s excuse to head into the ocean didn’t surprise Adam. The need to make sure Kata was okay grew stronger with every minute she was out of sight. He understood Aaron’s draw to her since

Two if by Sea

37

sharing their noon meal with her. She seemed to exude a magnetic force, pulling his protective instincts to the forefront and putting his body in slow burn mode. For all her strength, he detected a vulnerability he couldn’t quite identify, along with that sexual awareness. He just knew he needed to keep her close, and he didn’t begrudge Aaron feeling the same. Trudging through the surf, Adam walked to waist-deep water before diving toward the ocean floor and sweeping a few inches above the sand until his lungs threatened to implode from lack of oxygen. He sucked in a huge breath after he broke the surface. His arms and legs kept him afloat for a quick scan for a flash of shiny green scales. Nothing. Aaron came up not far away, his eyes obviously searching for Kata too. A sudden smile had Adam turning to follow his brother’s gaze. Only their beautiful mermaid would inspire that kind of response. Her gossamer tail sank into the waves a short distance from them, and then she burst out of the water, splashing him and Aaron. Her lighthearted laugh made his chest squeeze and his erection press against his zipper. “You came to see me!” The joy in her voice was reason enough to have taken a break. She had to be as lonely in the sea as Adam had been on the island by himself for fourteen long days. “Yeah.” He grinned at her. “The scenery is much more interesting out here.” A flush of pink crept over her cheeks. She rolled her eyes at him. “Not when you’re stuck in it sixteen hours a day.” “He was talking about you, Kata.” Aaron swam a couple strokes closer. “If you want some company, all you have to do is call for us.” Adam reached out to brush her hair from her shoulder. “We’re never too busy to spend time with you.” Her smile faltered. “I feel bad that I can’t help. You’ve been working hard all day and I’ve been...swimming.” Lifting her chin with his finger, Aaron frowned. “You have

38

Mellanie Szereto

nothing to feel guilty about. You didn’t choose this form.” She seemed to accept his brother’s reasoning. “You’re both so sweet. I wish...” Her words trailed off, blending with the soft shush of the waves. What did she wish? Before Adam could ask, she splashed them again and dove into the water. Her scales shimmered beneath the surface, moving toward the shore. He set off after her with a vague notion of what he thought she might wish. The idea didn’t bother him as much as he would’ve expected. **** ‘I wish...’ What did Kata wish? Aaron’s smooth strokes propelled him toward the beach at a steady rhythm, but his mind was elsewhere. Did she wish she wasn’t trapped inside her mermaid body? Did she wish she didn’t have to choose between him and Adam? Or maybe...No, she couldn’t possibly mean that. His brain wouldn’t let go of the idea. Could she have meant she wished she didn’t have to choose because she wanted them both? While that solution would solve the dilemma of who would have sex with her, he wasn’t sure he wanted to share her, even with his brother. Neither of them would feel rejected, but to take turns making love with her night after night? He was already halfway in love with her. What if Adam fell in love with her too? Was she capable of loving two men without either becoming jealous? No thinking in what-ifs. Take one day at a time. He settled his feet on the sea bottom in waist-deep water and studied Kata’s dark eyes as she glanced between him and Adam. The question rushed back, and this time the answer was different. Yes, she could mean that.

Two if by Sea

39

Chapter 5 The sun sank low past the tops of the trees, raising Kata’s anticipation for nightfall. The full moon would rise soon, so she should head for the cove. Her transformation had come as Arcturus and Saturn had become visible in the eastern sky, and although she was a good swimmer when she had legs, she had no desire to be this far from shore at her changing. With several flips of her tail, she sliced through the water, more than ready to become human again. Her days, or more accurately, nights were numbered, and she couldn’t afford to waste the seven left during her fertility cycle. If she didn’t conceive in the next week, she’d have to wait another seven years to try again. Having already let down her family with Éva’s training, she couldn’t disappoint them by not having a daughter at the first opportunity as well. Breaking the surface in the shallows, her eyes scanned the beach for Adam and Aaron. They were nowhere to be seen. Had they gone into the jungle to give her privacy when she walked out of the ocean wearing only the bikini top Adam had made? Warring thoughts had her shaking her head. On one hand, she liked that they respected her enough not to peek at her partial nudity. On the other, a bit of exhibitionism might help win their attraction and aid in the achievement of her goal. A twinge of guilt poked at her conscience. Yes, she liked both men, and they affected her in an emotional and a sexual way. Expediting the route to a physical encounter by flaunting her body seemed rather...slutty, especially when she intended for one of them to impregnate her. She wasn’t a virgin. However, the man had always

40

Mellanie Szereto

been the pursuer and initiator. Could she change her attitude about sex so that the end justified what she considered sleazy behavior? Oh, Goddess, I’m not cut out to be a seductress. Male voices carried to her ears, teasing and laughing that set her pulse racing and her heart pounding. Then they appeared from the tree line, carrying large green baskets. Had they made the baskets while she’d been lazing about in the sea today? Their muscles flexed as they set down what must be heavy loads, drawing her gaze to bare tan chests dusted with brown hair arrowing down into the waistbands of their shorts. Strong legs strode toward her. Adam smiled and waved. “Hey, Kata, we have some surprises for you.” Surprises? This is an opportunity to flirt. Don’t waste it. She cocked her head and grinned. “Um, I like surprises. You two have been the best.” Mirroring his brother’s warm expression, Aaron stepped to the water’s edge. “Whatever you need, Kata, just ask and it’s yours.” Too bad she didn’t possess the courage to tell them outright what she needed. “Thank you.” Adam sat down in the dry sand a few feet behind Aaron. “What time do you think you’ll change?” “Less than an hour maybe.” She propped her chin on her hand as she settled on her belly in the shallow surf, water lapping at her hair. “The sky was dark enough for the first stars to appear last night. Tonight’s a full moon, so when the sun sets and the moon starts to rise, Saturn will be visible for a few minutes before Arcturus is bright enough to see.” “Damn, I love smart women.” Adam winked at her. “Astronomer or hobbyist?” “Self-educated astronomer. I like to do scientific research. Anything to do with flora, Earth, our universe. I study plants, rocks and minerals, astronomy. What kinds of things do you do for fun?” He leaned back on his elbows. “I like to hike and bike. Some

Two if by Sea

41

mountain climbing. All kinds of sports. Pretty much anything that gets me outside. Oh, and spending time with mermaids.” A laugh bubbled out at his teasing. “How about you, Aaron?” She looked up at him to find his gaze fixed below her face. On her cleavage, maybe? He blinked and his cheeks colored as his eyes flicked up to hers. “I like being outdoors too, and I enjoy cooking and reading.” “I love reading! We have a wonderful library at home with these amazing old texts and sp—” She caught her tongue before the words tumbled out of her mouth. Goddess! She’d almost said spell books. “Um, special editions of rare books. I spend hours in there every day. I also tend the herbs in the greenhouse and the seasonal beds.” They didn’t seem to notice her slip—because she’d covered it well, or they’d gotten lost in her rambling. She was a hopeless case. Too bookish for anyone to see past her curvy body and like her for who she was. Of course, telling people what she was wasn’t such a good idea, either. “Do you sell your herbs at the farmers’ market? I’ve never seen you working there.” Aaron took another step closer, the water now washing over his ankles. “I'm sure I’d remember seeing you.” Warmth spread through her chest at his compliment. At least, she hoped it was a compliment. “My mom and my cousin Heléna take turns setting up our booth at the market. In the summer and fall, my older sister sells vegetables and fruits from the garden and the orchard in another booth.” Glancing up at the slowly darkening sky, Adam’s lips formed a straight line. What had she said to cast a shadow on his cheerful mood? “You must have a big family, living in that mansion.” She shrugged. “All the family I have. My great grandmother, my grandmother and grandfather, two great aunts, my mother and father, two aunts and two uncles, my older sister and her husband and their daughter, my younger sister, and eight cousins with two spouses and three more nieces. Twenty-nine of us right now. My sister is

42

Mellanie Szereto

expecting her second child in four months.” And my baby in nine months if I can manage to conceive. Adam’s eyes widened. “Twenty-nine? Aaron and I...well, we’re it.” No wonder his disposition had soured. Kata couldn’t imagine having only a sister and no other family. She’d die of loneliness, and her house wouldn’t feel like a true home. Though the words were inadequate, she said them anyway. “I’m sorry.” Walking toward one of the baskets, Aaron glanced over his shoulder at her. “We have each other and I’m okay with that. He isn’t too awful as far as brothers go.” “Thank you for the backhanded accolades, brother dear.” Adam grinned, letting her know he didn’t mind the teasing. “Nothing comes between us.” Kata’s stomach dropped to her...tail. Her hopes of conceiving were dashed with his one short statement. Their casual flirting this afternoon and now had been just that. Casual. Meaningless. Irrelevant. Rolling to her back, she stared at the horizon. The rising of the moon and the gradual twinkling of the stars and planets were pointless now. She might change form, but it wouldn’t change the facts. Mermaid or human, she’d failed in her most important task. **** Lifting the first surprise from one of the baskets he and Adam had woven after they’d finished the mats, Aaron returned to the water’s edge to give it to Kata. Instead of facing the beach, she now lay on her back looking out toward the eastern horizon. He couldn’t blame her for watching twilight settle over the ocean. Besides the breathtaking view, she had to be anxious to become human again. Had she counted the minutes all day until she would have legs? He leaned down to hand her the flower he’d picked in the jungle this evening, but froze when he saw a tear rolling over her cheek. Or

Two if by Sea

43

was it a drop of seawater that had splashed onto her face? “Kata, are you okay?” She nodded, not turning to look at him. Her voice was almost inaudible over the shush of the waves. “Just tired.” Rather than the flirty, teasing tone she’d used a few minutes earlier, this Kata sounded exhausted. Not physically exhausted. More like sad or resigned. Like she’d lost hope that she would change with the coming night and rising moon. He sent a questioning glance to Adam, who gave a shrug and seemed as confused as Aaron about the sudden melancholy. He’d planned to tuck the red bloom above her ear, but in her present mood she might find the gesture annoying. “I have something for you.” Even the dim light couldn’t hide the pools in her eyes when she looked at him. Why tears, Kata? Her full lips curved slightly upward as her gaze settled on the flower. Grasping the stem, she brought it to her nose. “It’s beautiful. Thank you.” He pressed a kiss her forehead. “You’re beautiful and you’re welcome.” Waving his hand at Adam, he headed for the trees. “We put the shirt on the rocks to your left, Kata. Adam and I will wait in the forest while you dress.” His brother pushed to his feet, walking beside Aaron through the warm sand, his defensive whisper too low to carry to Kata’s ears. “I swear I didn’t say anything that could’ve upset her. She just suddenly flipped over and turned her back to me.” Aaron let out a frustrated sigh. “I know. I heard everything you said. Only thing I can figure is she’s worried she won’t change. She has to be tired from swimming most of the day too.” “Damn, I hadn’t thought about that. What if she doesn’t change?” Moving through the thick foliage, they dodged leaves and stayed on the path they’d forged while collecting reeds. “I don’t want to think about what we do if she stays a mermaid tonight. She tried to hide it, but she was crying.” He stopped after they’d gone about a hundred feet in from the tree line, too far from

44

Mellanie Szereto

Kata in his mind. “The moon will be up soon. If she doesn’t call out within ten minutes to let us know she’s dressed, we’ll go back. I’d rather risk drowning than make her sleep by herself in the ocean.” “Me too.” His eyes adjusting to the darkness in the jungle, Aaron watched Adam rake his fingers through his hair. “She’s so sweet and sexy. Sometimes I see this...weariness in her eyes. Like the weight of the world is on her shoulders. I want to take care of her. No woman has ever made me feel that way.” They were both falling for her. Aaron had suspected that might be the case, but he wasn’t prepared to deal with the ramifications. Jealousy didn’t knot in his stomach this time. No, his only concern was Kata’s happiness. “I know what you mean. I never thought we’d want the same woman.” Tucking his hands in his back pockets, Adam stared at him for several seconds before letting out a slow exhale. “I’ve been thinking about that and, well, if Kata goes along with the idea, what if we...shared her?” “Share her?” “I mean, we both like her. Wouldn’t both of us having her be better than neither? I’m not sure I could sleep with her without feeling guilty that she chose me.” Aaron snorted. “You’d still sleep with her.” “Yeah, probably. Maybe.” Pacing three steps farther down the path and back, Adam stopped in front of him. “No, I wouldn’t. I meant what I said about nothing coming between us. Blood is thicker than cum, brother. We should make a pact. Both or neither.” Both or neither. What if she said neither? The awkwardness would destroy their budding...friendship. Both? As in taking turns night after night? Or sharing her, making love to her together? A scorching image of her sandwiched between him and Adam with no clothes in sight sent a jolt to his hardening cock. Their hands cupped her gorgeous tits and ass in his mind. Would she allow them to love her at the same time? Or would she call them perverts for suggesting

Two if by Sea

45

the kinky alternative to no sex? Adam’s chuckle pulled Aaron from his erotic daydream. “The imagery is something else, isn’t it?” Instead of answering, Aaron swallowed his lifelong perception of getting laid. “Both or neither.”

46

Mellanie Szereto

Chapter 6 Ten minutes have passed by now. Adam silently counted to thirty just to be sure. If he had to wait another second, he’d lose his horny mind. Kata hadn’t yet called out to say she was dressed, leaving him to wonder whether she’d changed. Please. She’s got to have legs. “Let’s go.” Picking his way along the nearly pitch-black trail, he listened for Aaron’s footsteps behind him. At the edge of the trees, he slowed, needing but not wanting to see if Kata remained a mermaid. A knot twisted in his gut. Aaron gave him a nudge on the shoulder. “Hurry up.” His brother sounded every bit as concerned as he was. “I’m going.” Stepping out onto the beach, Adam spotted her still form in the shallows. A quick look up told him she should’ve changed several minutes ago. Half a dozen distant lights dotted the sky. His heart squeezed. “Fuck.” Aaron stopped beside him. “Damn. I thought for sure she’d become human again. She must be freaking out about now. Come on.” They jogged to the wet sand, Adam’s heart in his throat. His feet froze mid-step when he heard the sobs and searched the water for a gleaming green tail. Stretched out in front of Kata were two long, shapely legs. He blew out a relieved sigh. What the hell? He dropped to his knees next to her, still staring at those amazing legs. “What’s wrong, sweetheart?” “Kata, why are you crying?” Aaron crawled into the foot-deep

Two if by Sea

47

water to run his hands over her calves and thighs. “Are you hurt?” Popping up from his knees, Adam scooped her into his arms and headed for the dry sand by the log. “Spread out her mat and get one of the coconut bowls. She’s probably dehydrated again.” Aaron unrolled the smallest sleeping mat then moved to the shaded storage box they’d built. “Are you hungry, Kata? We found some oranges and a couple pineapples after lunch if you’re tired of bananas and coconuts.” As Adam helped her settle on the woven reeds, his gaze couldn’t help but wander to the juncture of her thighs. A triangle of dark brown hair hid her pussy. All he wanted in the whole damn world was to spread her legs and bury his face in those curls. With Aaron suckling her breasts, maybe they could make her smile again. She sniffled through the tears. “You don’t have to...take care of me.” Aaron’s frown came through in his voice as he handed her a bowl of spring water. “Honey, we want to take care of you. Now, drink.” She tipped up the coconut shell, taking small sips. Finally, she set the bowl in her lap, covering her pretty cunt. “I don’t want to be a burden. An orange and a banana are fine. If you’ll hand them to me, you can get something for yourself.” Adam reached out to take the fruit from his brother, his longer arm preventing her from refusing their help. Why was she pushing them away? “Kata, have we done or said anything to make you think you’re a burden?” She shook her head, shifting like she didn’t want to look at him. “I’m going to get her shirt.” Evidently, Aaron was having a difficult time seeing her mostly naked body and not touching it. He’d probably gotten an eyeful of her bare ass when Adam had carried her from the water. He’d also had his hands all over her spectacular legs. Lucky son of a bitch. Shoving his thumb through the rind, Adam peeled the orange and separated the sections as Aaron helped her into the only real piece of

48

Mellanie Szereto

clothing she had. Hell, if he and his brother had their way, she’d be wearing nothing but them—although sex was probably the last thing on her mind, considering how upset she seemed. Kata pressed her thighs together and tried to force her body not to respond to Aaron sliding his shirt up her arms and over her shoulders. He’d already jumpstarted her hormones with the careful caresses of her legs when he’d thought she was injured. When Adam had picked her up to carry her, his palm had almost brushed her naked pussy, sparking a fire low in her belly. Goddess, why did she have to want them both? Not just to help her conceive, either. Her body and her heart were reacting to something more. Nothing comes between us. She couldn’t have even one of them, let alone both. Her duty be damned! Every minute in their presence brought her soul to life, and they’d rejected her before she could beg them to consider her proposal. She didn’t blame them for protecting their relationship. How many times had she made choices based on the need to spare her family trouble? Far too many to count. “Take a bite, sweetheart.” Adam lifted a section of orange to her lips. The temptation to suck his finger in her mouth with the fruit made her lightheaded. Being fed was incredibly intimate, an act reserved for lovers. The chemicals flooding her system from the fertility cycle were sending her sex drive into overdrive. Why is he teasing me when he knows sex isn’t a possibility after his declaration? Her tongue darted out of its own accord to lick the calloused pad of his thumb, sending a riot of shivers to her breasts. Fingers massaged the back of her neck, and another wave of tingles raced down her spine to spread to her clit. Aaron tugged on the loose ends of her makeshift bikini. “The vine must have been irritating your skin. Your neck is red where the strings are tied. You should probably take off your top to sleep.” For men who’d proclaimed they wouldn’t allow anything to

Two if by Sea

49

damage their bond, they seemed to be doing everything in their power to seduce her. Between Aaron undressing her and Adam feeding her, her hormones were going insane. How was she supposed to survive an entire night with them? I’d rather be stuck a mermaid twenty-four hours a day than have them treat me like they feel sorry for me. The sudden realization of the reason they were being so nice ruined her appetite. She turned her head away when Adam held up another slice of orange and scooted out of range of Aaron’s hands at her neck. Another second of them pretending to care and she’d start crying again. Holding together the front plackets of the shirt with one hand and tugging the hem to her knees, she struggled to her feet. She walked to the receding tide line at an even, controlled pace to stare out at the moon as it rose above the sea. Its reflection on the water lit up her tiny world, this place where she was better off half woman, half fish. I’ve failed, and I just want to go home. Aaron had no idea what had happened to the happy, carefree Kata who’d teased and flirted when she’d swum to shore. Why did she keep pulling away from them? Physically and emotionally. He and Adam spent most of the day trying to make her hours as a woman more enjoyable than last night. They’d woven a bed for her, stockpiled enough food and water to please all three of them, and found a way to prevent an argument over her. What more could she want? To be her normal self. To see her family. To go home. “I think she’s homesick.” He leaned in closer to Adam so he could keep his voice down as he continued watching her. “You and I know each other. Hell, we live together back home. She’s got no one here.” “I’m pretty sure it’s more than that. I saw her face when I fed her and when you started untying her bikini. She responded like a woman attracted to a man. Or men. What if she’s afraid to say anything about it? I mean, one woman and two guys? She hardly seems like the type to have any experience in the kink department. Maybe a vibrator. Not

50

Mellanie Szereto

a threesome. Considering we could be here for the rest of our lives, our options are limited. Maybe she thinks she has to choose.” “Or she might not want to pick one of us and not the other, worried about causing problems between us. We need a plan.” “Leave the scheming to me, big brother.” Adam grinned at him then stood. “First thing we have to do is make it clear we’re both attracted to her. Follow my lead.” “You better not screw this up.” Levering to his feet, Aaron frowned when Adam grabbed Kata’s sleeping mat and dragged it to the other side of the log. What the hell is he doing? Next, his brother set the banana and the remainder of the orange on the mat. He snagged his shirt from one of the baskets and then folded it. Placing it on the woven reeds, he nodded. “Ready?” Ready for what? Aaron shrugged. “I hope you know what you’re doing.” Adam gave him another grin. “Damn right. Come on.” Stepping over the log, he strode toward Kata. Instead of stopping beside her, he moved to face her. “Hey, sweetheart, I moved your bed so you’ll have your own room. You’ll be closer to the forest in case you need to use the, um...facilities during the night. The thought of sharing a bedroom with two men you barely know is making you uncomfortable, isn’t it?” Even from several yards away, Aaron saw her whole body stiffen when Adam stepped closer, invading her space. Then the idiot kissed her on the mouth. A shockwave of desire rushed to Aaron’s balls. His cock swelled against his zipper. Follow Adam’s lead? Well, my turn then. Maybe the fool’s plan wasn’t so crazy after all. With three long strides into the wet sand, he shoved his brother out of the way, sending water splashing around their ankles. “You probably value your privacy with so many people living in one house. We won’t bother you unless you want us to.” Anticipation sang in his veins as he leaned closer. Her warm breath caressed his chin. Finally, his lips brushed hers. A jolt of electricity zipped from his mouth to his

Two if by Sea

51

erection. “Let’s go to bed.” The statement might have seemed innocent to Kata, but it suggested much more than sleep to Aaron. Damn, he’d do just about anything to share a bed with her tonight. Adam wrapped his hand around her right hand. “Yeah, let’s go to bed. I’m bushed.” Following his brother’s lead again, Aaron linked his fingers with her other hand. They escorted up the beach to her “bedroom.” As she settled on her mat, Adam gave him a conspiratorial wink. Where was the plan headed now? Adam knelt near her feet, rubbing his palm along her arch. “You must be exhausted from all that swimming today. How about a short massage to help you relax?” His free hand tapped the spot beside him. “I’ll take this leg and Aaron can take the other.” I never knew how devious you could be, Adam. Kneeling at Kata’s left foot, Aaron reached out to gently stroke her ankle while his brother focused on her right instep. They both used slow movements to ease the tension from her lower body. Inch by inch, their fingers moved higher. To her calves, her knees, her thighs. His breath hitched with each touch, his pulse pounding in his ears, his cock aching from the need to fuck her. On the other hand, she seemed to tense more with every inch of skin they covered. “Aaron? Adam? I’m...confused.” She lifted her head from the mat, twisting to glance over her shoulder at them. “You said, um, nothing...comes between you. Why are you...I mean...you’re both...touching me like...” Her soft words trailed off. Adam’s hand slipped beneath the hem of her shirt, clearly kneading the perfect roundness of her ass. “If you’re willing to let both of us become your lovers, we’re willing to share you.” “Oh.” The lack of a quick and resounding “no” boded well for them. “Is that a yes or a no?” Aaron had to hear her answer before they went any further.

52

Mellanie Szereto

“Yes.” She moaned, urging Aaron’s fingers toward the heat of her pussy. A dip between the cleft of her outer lips drowned his middle finger in pool of slick juices. A growl rumbled up from his chest, making him feel more animal than man. Sinking his tongue in all that slippery wetness was everything he needed right this moment. “Roll over, sweetheart.” Adam nudged her to her side then onto her back. He crawled up to separate the unbuttoned front of the shirt and nuzzle her glorious tits. “We’re going to make you completely relaxed.” Seeing his brother trace a circle around one pert nipple pushed Aaron to the edge. He’d never thought about sharing a woman with another man, but watching her writhe against Adam’s mouth was too damn hot for words. Time to double her pleasure. Spreading her thighs, Aaron kissed his way to her musk-scented pussy. His thumbs held open the doors hiding her precious jewel as he took a first taste of her sweet fluid. A thrust into her tight channel, then a swipe through her folds to her clit, and back again. On the second pass, he fluttered over her swelling bundle of nerves, savoring her throaty moans and the sweetness of her tasty cunt. Her fingers threaded through his hair, her nails lightly scraping his scalp. A glance up her body showed her other hand imitating the gesture on Adam’s head as he sucked on one hard nipple and rolled the other bud between his thumb and forefinger. Another growl vibrated in Aaron’s throat, and Kata’s muscles tensed for a long moment before she let a hoarse cry and shuddered as she came against his tongue. He continued lapping at her pulsing clit until she went slack, savoring every taste and tremor. “So fucking sexy.” Adam took the words right out of Aaron’s mouth. He slid up to kiss her cheek. “If you want more than this, you need to tell us, Kata. You make the call.”

Two if by Sea

53

Chapter 7 More? Kata’s body screamed at her to tell them she wanted more, but her mind had scattered at her orgasm. All her brain cells were focused on helping her breathe and recover from the amazing experience. She still saw stars, even with her eyes closed rather than looking up at the billions of twinkling lights in the universe. Speech was impossible. Warm lips pressed against her cheek, and then a few seconds later another pair kissed the opposite side of her face. Two men. I’ve been ravished by the two kindest, most handsome men in the world. Albeit, her world was rather small here, but they beat every man she’d ever met, hands down. More? Yes. If only she could get her mouth to work. She forced her eyes open in time to see Aaron and Adam climbing over the log to their own side of the beach. Wait! Come back! Had she disappointed them? What had Adam said? So fucking sexy. Then why were they leaving her? Panic tried to rise, but lethargy and sexual satisfaction smothered it. Her eyes drifted closed again and she sighed. Please don’t go away. Sleep swallowed her whole. **** “Some plan, Einstein.” Aaron’s quiet sarcasm wasn’t lost on Adam. His dick felt more

54

Mellanie Szereto

than a little dejected. “Normally, having a woman fall asleep during sex would be a mood killer, but Kata has to be so damned wiped out from stress alone. You can’t tell me you didn’t like eating her pussy while I played with her tits. “ At the water’s edge in the light of the full moon, Aaron’s eye roll was fully visible. So was the trip his tongue made around his Kataflavored lips. “That isn’t what I meant. Now she’ll think we only want her for sex. She was tired and we plowed right through her defenses. For the record, I almost shot my load when she came. Sharing her is... Shit, it’s unbelievable. I never imagined...” Adam agreed with his brother’s sentiments. With them concentrating on different parts of her body, they’d brought her to the brink and taken her over in record time. Hell, he’d almost come in his shorts too when she’d tensed and cried out. She seemed to be the answer to the question he’d been asking himself since he landed on this island. When am I going to do something important with my life? Taking care of Kata and giving her pleasure would be his life’s ambition from now on. As sexually attracted to her as he was, she was also starting to fill an empty part of his heart. He was following close behind Aaron, since Adam saw the love on his brother’s face grow whenever they were with her. Spending the rest of their lives on this deserted tropical island with her wouldn’t be a hardship for the Waters brothers. Now, they just needed to find a solution to Kata’s daily morph into a mermaid. He finally answered Aaron. “At least she knows I didn’t mean sex with her when I said I wouldn’t let anything come between us.” A low laugh escaped. “Because she did come between us, and I don’t have a problem with that. Damn, I want to be inside her the next time she comes.” A groan sounded beside him. “I guess I’ll have to wait my turn. God, I hope she wants me to have a turn.” “Don’t say that! I’ll have to resort to jacking off in the woods every night if she doesn’t want my dick.”

Two if by Sea

55

Aaron snorted. “Yeah, well, that looks like the only option tonight. I’m pretty sure my balls are blue.” Kicking at the water rippling over the wet sand, Adam sighed. “Ah, hell. Let’s go try to get some sleep. I’m not fucking my hand unless she gives me a flat-out no.” Aaron nodded. “Me too. At least she isn’t hiding in the woods. I’d rather suffer through a hard-on than worry about her all night.” Another thought flashed through Adam’s mind. “We need to wake up at dawn. I don’t think I can handle seeing her so desperate to get back in the ocean that she’s in a panic again.” “Then we better go to bed.” They headed back to the log to roll out their mats. Adam’s eyes flicked to the left several times, mesmerized by Kata’s resting form. She lay on her side, the shirt hitched high on her thighs, her face relaxed in sleep. She was easily the prettiest woman he’d ever seen. At sunrise, she’d become a mermaid again. **** Try as he might, Aaron couldn’t go to sleep. The full moon had started its descent over the tops of the trees, and he could only think about missing the moment the sun peeked over the eastern horizon. The beginning of another ocean-bound day for Kata. Two days of living in the sea had taken its toll on her. What would a third, a fourth, or a fifth do? He’d trade places with her in a second to make her life easier in this tropical paradise. The filtered light dimmed a little more as the moon moved past the slits between the palms’ umbrella-like fronds. Another hour closer to morning. Rolling to his right side, he listened to the slow, even sighs of Adam. His brother could sleep through a damn hurricane. In the near silence quick, panting breaths came from the other side of the log. Was Kata having a nightmare? Aaron could certainly understand that

56

Mellanie Szereto

after everything she’d been through. He levered up on his elbow to peer over their “bedroom wall.” Her arms flailed and her head jerked back and forth. Her legs kicked against the mat. Soft squeaks punctuated each erratic movement. Hurrying to his feet, he bridged the tree and knelt next to her. “Kata, wake up.” With an arm beneath her back and a hand on her shoulder, he lifted her into a sitting position, one of her panicked swings catching him in the jaw. Ignoring the momentary sting, he cradled her against his chest. “It’s okay, honey. Nothing’s going to hurt you. I’m right here.” Adam sprang over the log, eyes wide and staring Aaron in the face with as much panic in his voice as Aaron had felt. “What’s wrong? She isn’t hurt, is she?” “Just a bad dream, I think. Go get some water. She probably didn’t drink or eat enough before she...fell asleep.” Before we overwhelmed her. Aaron brushed several strands of hair from her cheek, turning his attention back to the woman in his arms. “Wake up, honey. Everything’s fine. Adam and I are right here.” Her legs stopped thrashing and she hugged her hands around her waist. She looked up at him, blinking away shiny tears. Her whisper chilled his heart. “I was drowning.” His stomach twisted. How many times had he worried about her changing while she was too far from the beach to swim to safety? “Take a drink, sweetheart.” Adam held the coconut bowl to her lips. “Are you hungry? You didn’t finish your orange or even start on your banana. You really should eat something.” “I’m okay now.” She seemed calmer, her breath coming slower and her muscles relaxing. “Thank you.” Aaron hugged her closer and pressed his lips to her hair. “You’re welcome, honey. I’m glad we were here to help you. Anything you need, all you have to do is ask.” Her warm breath caressed his chest, setting off a surge of tightness in his balls. She leaned away to look up at him. “Anything?”

Two if by Sea

57

He and Adam spoke together. “Anything.” Swallowing the knot of anxiety in her throat, Kata dredged up the courage to ask for what she needed. She glanced from Aaron to Adam. “Would you mind if I slept with you?” Maybe it wasn’t everything she needed, but it might do until the fertility hormones rose to unbearable levels again. When she’d told them she was drowning, her dream hadn’t involved water. She’d been suffocating in her body’s call to mate, and she couldn’t reach Adam and Aaron. A single touch, being held and cared for by these men, had soothed the runaway chemicals coursing through her. Exhaustion had kept her from begging them to fuck her senseless earlier. Several hours of rest had remedied that. The problem of which of them was her true mate remained. If either. An unbidden image of the three of them lying close together invaded her mind, triggering a rush of desire through her veins. She struggled only a few seconds against the devastating crush. They said they would give me whatever I ask of them. I need them. I’ll lose my sanity without them. “And will you make love to me?” She shot another look at each brother. They’d given her pleasure together once. If Aaron and Adam made love to her, would she finally get past her feelings of attraction to both and discover whether either was her mate? Would it appease her demanding reproductive cycle? “Both of you?” Adam’s smile made her breath hitch. “Anything, Kata.” “Whatever you need.” Aaron’s whisper brushed over her cheek and sent a thrill of relief to her nerves. He stood, grasping her hand as he led her around the log dividing their beds. “We’ll slide our mats together to make one bed.” “Hurry. Please.” She hated the desperation in her voice, but her body insisted she mate with them. Now. Adam leapt over the log rather than going around, and with one quick tug overlapped the two large woven pallets. Then he threaded his fingers through her hair as he kissed her—not a short touch of his

58

Mellanie Szereto

mouth on hers. His tongue pushed past her lips, the stroking and caressing sparking an inferno between her thighs. The flames spread to her nipples, and then he withdrew as quickly as he invaded, leaving her panting and weak in the knees. “Bed’s ready. I am too.” The huskiness in his words assured her that she wasn’t the only one affected by his kiss. Aaron pressed his lips to the back of her neck as he slipped his shirt from her shoulders from behind to leave her naked. His hands came around to cup her breasts, grazing the hard buds with his thumbs. Adam ran his palm along her inner thigh, gliding a finger into her wetness. Closing her eyes and resting her head against his chest, she reveled in the heat raging though her. Finally. A needy moan echoed in her head. Hers? Aaron’s, or maybe Adam’s? She didn’t care as long as they didn’t stop touching her. “Please.” “Please what, Kata?” Did Aaron expect her to tell them precisely what she wanted them to do? Too hot to think. “One of you fuck me, and I want to suck the other.” She’d never spoken so crudely in her life, but these were extenuating circumstances. If they didn’t do as she demanded, she’d die. Maybe not literally. She’d lose her mind, without a doubt. Warm, moist air on her vagina caused a rush of fluid to trickle down the inside of her leg. “Everybody wins. Since Aaron is already acquainted with your lovely pussy, why don’t I take a turn?” “Yes, now. Please now, Adam. Fuck me.” He pressed his mouth to her drenched lower lips before guiding her onto the mat. Aaron followed half a minute later, minus his shorts, helping settle her head on their bed beside his impressive erection. Long and hard, with pre-cum oozing from the perfectly shaped head. The advantageous angle also gave her a close-up view of a lightly furred scrotum containing a pair of well-defined testicles. Her mouth watered, anticipating the texture and flavor of this masculine display of flawlessness. Was Adam ready yet? Flicking her gaze to her second lover, she watched as he kicked

Two if by Sea

59

out of the clothing at his ankles. While Aaron’s cock was straight and upturned, Adam’s curved slightly to the right. It was just as ready. Her heart pounded and her pulse skipped a beat. He nudged her knees farther apart and knelt in front of her. “Are you sure you don’t need a little foreplay?” “No! I need you! Both of you, inside me!” She fought the rising panic in her chest, struggling to get enough air in her lungs. Her body couldn’t wait another moment to mate, the desire to connect with these men driving her closer to insanity. Adam lifted her feet to rest on his shoulders, lifting her ass to meet the rubbing of his dick through her wetness. Teasing her entrance, he looked toward his brother. “At the same time, Aaron.” A slick-tipped penis painted her lips with its salty juice. She opened to welcome Aaron into her mouth, and in one slow push, they entered her. The ache in her chest eased when they withdrew and plunged forward again. Finally! Her eyelids tried to close from the overwhelming relief and pleasure, but she studied the blissful expression on Aaron’s face, then Adam’s. She grasped malleable balls in one hand and a handful of muscular butt in the other. In, out, in, out. The smooth, matching rhythm took her higher with each stroke, a sense of fulfillment and connection swelling in her heart, mind, and body. Belonging. Rightness. Perfection. A pair of masculine groans pushed her deeper toward completion. Her own moans echoed in her ears. The blended melody sang to her, and the erection in her mouth grew as the one in her trembling pussy became more rigid. “Suck me, honey. Yeah, just like that. You feel so damn good.” Aaron’s thrusts turned erratic and jerky. “Fast and hard, Adam! Make her come!” “Damn, I’m close. I love your tight, wet pussy, sweetheart. God, now!” Adam stiffened and flooded her insides with a burst of wet heat. “Fuck, yes!” The coarse words of encouragement triggered her own

60

Mellanie Szereto

cataclysmic orgasm. A powerful spasm ripped through her, a muffled scream escaping past the load of hot cum Aaron shot into her throat. Sweet, salty, thick. His hoarse yell drowned out her cries as the tremors and aftershocks continued, going on and on. Her earlier orgasm was nothing compared to this amazing weightless ride to heaven. Then slowly falling, falling. A single thought reverberated in her soul. Forever.

Two if by Sea

61

Chapter 8 Propelling herself to the surface, Kata hoped the less-than-bright sky meant nightfall rather than a storm. She’d awakened that morning surrounded by two muscular bodies, arms and legs tangled around her. Even with her tail already fully formed when she woke, she’d relished being held by her new lovers. They’d carried her into the sea and fed her breakfast, each sending her off in the beckoning water with a kiss she still felt on her lips. She’d returned for lunch and a late afternoon snack with more kisses and caressing, but now she was anxious for the change. She looked forward to spending the night making love with Adam and Aaron, exploring the ways they could share the experience. As much as she’d enjoyed giving oral pleasure while her other lover had had sex with her in the traditional sense, she wanted more. She longed to be wrapped in the warmth of both their bodies, all of them so closely connected she couldn’t tell where she ended and they began. Her imagination had spent the day focusing on the task of finding those new ways. The sky was darkening blue, not a cloud in sight. The sun’s light shone from far beyond the tops of the trees on the island, and a wave of anticipation sent butterflies flitting about her stomach. With a flick of her tail, she swam toward the beach, smiling when she saw Aaron and Adam waiting for her at the shore. True mates or not, she was very near to falling in love with them. Her feelings were no stronger for one, and she had no idea why she was compelled to care for the brothers instead of one man. Could she be mated to more than a single person? She knew of no

62

Mellanie Szereto

one in her family who had faced her situation. Not that she could ask advice on the topic anyway since she was stuck in a painting. Kata ignored the nagging thought that eventually she’d have to tell her lovers she was a witch. Although if they never escaped this tropical prison, the point would be moot. No, she wouldn’t worry about that issue right now. I want to think about this new relationship and nurture it, help it develop into something meaningful. Water splashed around her as she drew close to the shallows. Legs moved through the surf. Adam and Aaron had jogged into the ocean to meet her. Her pulse skittered and her heart warmed. Were they anxious to spend time with her? Strong arms lifted her, holding her to a solid chest and rippled abs. Soft lips pressed a kiss to her mouth. Aaron. Funny how she could already discern the brothers from each other by that simple touch. “I missed you, Kata.” More arms wrapped around her from behind, and Adam leaned in to brush a kiss across her cheek. Satisfaction and heat flowed through her veins. “Me too, but I need a better greeting than that. I want some tongue action.” She laughed. “Not afraid to speak your mind, are you?” Turning to cup his whiskered jaw, she took his mouth in a slow, deep exploration, savoring the glide of his tongue against hers. “Better? I missed you too. Both of you.” “Much better. Want a snack while we wait for the moon to rise?” “The only thing I’m hungry for is a Waters brothers sandwich.” The picture in her mind had Aaron crushed to her front and Adam pressed to her back. “Maybe you should go undress now, so I can make love to you as soon as I have legs to spread.” Aaron frowned. “You don’t want us with you when you change, do you?” “Kata, is that true?” Adam’s expression mirrored Aaron’s. Was she trying to create reasons for them to be gone when she went from mermaid to human? “I...I’m not sure. I mean, I hadn’t

Two if by Sea

63

really thought about it. At least, not consciously. I don’t know how I feel about you...watching.” They cradled her between them, their support keeping her fish body just below the surface and her bare breasts floating in the gentle waves. Adam ran his palm down the scaled curve of her ass. “We were with you this morning.” She couldn’t argue that point, although they’d all been asleep. Even she hadn’t seen the morph from human to mermaid yet. She’d been sleeping or unconscious every time. Her two nighttime changes from sea creature to primate had unnerved her. The process hadn’t hurt, but the sudden flood of sexual desire almost smothered her, and she’d had to fight to maintain some semblance of control over her ready-to-mate body. Would tonight be different since she’d taken Aaron and Adam as lovers? Reflecting brought her no closer to an explanation. She lowered her head to Adam’s shoulder. “I feel...vulnerable.” Aaron smoothed her wet hair from her face. “Ah, honey, we only want to help you. We’d never hurt you. Not on purpose, anyway.” “Aaron and I just want to keep you safe.” Moving toward shallower water, Adam rested his cheek on the top of her head. “Why do you think we get done gathering food so quickly? Every minute we’re in the jungle and you’re out here alone, you could change and drown. We’ve been going crazy worrying about you. Please let us stay with you, Kata.” Thankful for his younger brother’s frank nature, Aaron mentally crossed his fingers that Kata would agree to let them remain with her during the metamorphosis. Having them witness it might make her feel vulnerable, but she was much more vulnerable swimming alone in the ocean for hours on end. Stopping in knee-deep water, they sat, their beautiful mermaid settled between them. She still hadn’t answered, making him wonder if she was actually considering their request.

64

Mellanie Szereto

Another nudge couldn’t hurt. “You seemed dehydrated right afterward, and a little...” Emotional? God, no! What a thing to say to a woman! “Um, I don’t know. Disoriented?” She glanced back and forth from him to Adam and back again. “It does something to my body chemistry. Maybe you’re right. What if I passed out?” Adam nodded. “Exactly. We won’t look if you don’t want us to, but we should be with you.” “Okay.” Aaron hadn't expected her to give in quite so easily. Relief washed over him. The sooner he got to make love to her, the better. A few kisses, fondling her tits, and stroking her sexy tail during meal times had only served to drive his need to be inside her higher. Adam could enjoy an amazing blowjob tonight and be the voyeur while Aaron fucked Kata’s sweet pussy. Being the watcher sure as hell had been a major turn-on during the role reversal last night. A glimpse at the sky had his heart pounding in his chest. “The moon should be up soon.” Pointing to the east, a smile lit up Kata’s face, sending a jolt of fire to his balls. “There’s Saturn. Arcturus will come out next. The moon rises about fifty minutes later each day during its cycle. Since the full moon rose at sunset yesterday, it’ll rise fifty minutes after sunset today.” Sexy and smart. He didn’t bother to resist falling the rest of the way in love with her. She was too damn perfect to put up a fight. He slipped his fingers through hers, linking them together. On the other side of her, Adam did the same then lifted her hand to his lips. Aaron kissed her cheek. “Are you ready, honey?” “Oh, yes.” The joy in her soft whisper brought a smile to his face. A chuckle came from Adam. “Me too. I’ve been dying to see your gorgeous legs all day.” Kata laughed. “So you’re only going to look? Somehow, I doubt that.” A short gasp followed her words.

Two if by Sea

65

Water droplets sprayed over them with a sudden splash, drawing Aaron’s attention to the shallows in front of them. A delicate foot wiggled above the surface. The last bit of tension left him as he pushed to his feet and lifted Kata in his arms to carry her ashore. “Hey! Wait for me!” Adam ran past them toward the place they’d laid out the sleeping mats earlier. He stripped out of his wet shorts and grinned. “Welcome to the Waters Brothers’ private nude beach, Miss Mermaid. We hope you enjoy your stay.” Her laughter vibrated through Aaron’s body clear to his soul. She was happy, and he couldn’t ask for anything better. Swallowing the declaration kicking and screaming to get out, Adam strode to Kata and Aaron, lifting her from his brother’s arms. Adam had waited all damn day to touch her fabulous naked butt and he wasn’t waiting another second. Setting her on her feet, he hugged her closer and let his hands go roaming while he kissed her luscious mouth. So soft. Her lower back flared outward to form the curve of her hips and ass. He traced her spine up then down, dipping into the cleft of her rounded cheeks. She squirmed against him, and his cock went from hard to fossilized. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught Aaron’s jerky movements as he shoved his shorts down his legs. He and Adam evidently were of the same mind if his hard-on was any indication. Fuck until they all collapsed, and worry about eating later. Kata seemed to sense Aaron walking up behind her, because she ended the kiss with Adam and reached out a hand. “I need you too, Aaron. I need both of you. All I’ve thought about today is how many ways we can make love together.” Her husky, breathless voice affected Adam as much as her words. She still wanted them both, and sharing her with Aaron had resulted in the best sex of his life. They could give her more pleasure as partners than singly, touching more of her, tasting more, loving more. He had no doubt that Aaron loved Kata, just as Adam had fallen cock

66

Mellanie Szereto

over heart in love with her during their playtime in the ocean this afternoon. She was intelligent, vivacious, and kind. Sexy, beautiful, and horny were bonuses. “I adore a woman with an imagination.” Adam palmed one half of her ass and kissed her neck. “What’s first, sweetheart?” Her impish smile almost had him tossing her on the bed and burying his face in her hot, wet cunt. He’d bet his portion of the delivery company that she was pumping out enough sweet juice to aid in a one-thrust entry, but he wanted a taste. Of course, Aaron’s cock hadn’t enjoyed a turn in her tight pussy yet. He’d probably have a few choice words to say if Adam got greedy. Kata didn’t answer his question, only stepping onto the mat before giving him instructions. “Adam, see that kind of pointy plant there at the edge of the trees? I want you to cut off two of the outermost leaves and bring them to me. Be sure to keep the cut ends down so the sap begins to drain out.” Retrieving the pocketknife from his shorts pocket, he nodded then headed for the plant she’d described. The thorny ridges on the thick stalks looked like they might poke his hand, but the leaves had smooth sides and were wide and rigid enough for a good grip. The sharp knife easily severed the leaves from the base of the plant. Turning to go back, his dick twitched at the sight of Kata straddling Aaron’s legs as she teased his erection with her long, damp hair. Then she dragged the strands across his stomach and pressed her tits flat against his chest to kiss him. The scene was so fucking erotic, Adam seriously considered standing there, watching while he jacked off. Five strides took him to the mat. “You’re not starting without me, are you?” With a slow separation of mouths, she raised her head, smiling when Aaron groaned. “Just passing the time, waiting for you. You’re not sensitive to aloe, are you?” He held the pair of leaves. “These are from an aloe plant? No, I’m

Two if by Sea

67

not sensitive. In fact, I use aftershave lotion with aloe all the time.” Rubbing a palm over his stubbly jaw, he shrugged. “Well, when I have a razor so I can shave.” “Good.” She sat up to another protest from Aaron. It didn’t last long. She reached behind her, cupping his balls. “Spread your legs for me. Adam’s going to kneel between them.” Aaron obeyed, and she wiggled her hips until his dick disappeared inside her. “Damn, honey. You’re so hot and wet.” How the hell is she going to suck me if my cock is up against her ass? The image to go with that thought flashed before Adam’s eyes. The aloe. The position. The only possibility. An involuntary spasm rocked his balls. Fuck, yeah! “Please tell me I get to be your back door man, sweetheart.”

68

Mellanie Szereto

Chapter 9 Although Kata had never heard the expression Adam had used, she had no trouble figuring out the meaning. He wanted to do exactly what she’d imagined during her steamy daydreams today. No begging necessary. “I enjoyed last night, but...I need...more. Both of you— really inside me.” He dropped to his knees behind her, guiding her mouth to his. His tongue dove past her lips, caressing the roof of her mouth, her teeth, her tongue. He tasted like fresh orange and pineapple. Her lungs ached from lack of oxygen, but she didn’t care. She would gladly give up her last breath for her two men. Her lovers. Her mates. Nothing could feel so right and be wrong. With a final suck on her lower lip, he pulled back, leaving her panting and shaking. “I’ve never made love this way before. I’ll go as slow as you want me to. You’ll tell me if I’m hurting you?” Her heart swelled and she wanted to kiss him again for thinking of her comfort. “Aloe gel is a good lubricant. I promise to tell you if it hurts.” He gathered her hair in his hand, easing it over her shoulder as he leaned in to press his moist lips to her upper back. “I can’t wait to be inside you again.” More than ready to accommodate him, she gave him instructions for extracting the aloe gel. “Slice open the leaf. You’ll see a layer of yellowish sap inside the green outer skin. Use only the clear liquid from the center.” She heard the soft slash of the knife through the leaf, anticipation sending a rush of fluid to her pussy. Then his fingers spread warm

Two if by Sea

69

liquid up and down the crease of her ass, triggering a dozen tiny spasms. Another dab of aloe, and he traced a ring around her anus. A finger probed the tight hole, slowly easing past her sphincter to glide in a short distance and back out. Warm aloe juice teased her hole again, this time followed by the press of a larger rounded bulb. The head of his erection. It slipped inside her, stretching her tunnel to fit his girth. A pleasurable sting segued into pure paradise. Warm breath tickled her neck as lightly furred flesh touched her back, matching the wonderful feel of Aaron’s chest against her breasts and sending shivers up her spine. “Once I’m in, you control the movement. If you want me to move too, just say so. Whatever you want, Kata.” Her patience with his gentleness lasted another five seconds, and then she rocked her hips backward to take him fully, even as Aaron’s cock pushed deeper. Both men groaned. Tingles danced over her skin, making her lightheaded. So full. Her breath caught in her throat. “Heaven. Oh, heaven. This is perfect.” She flexed her pelvis forward then back, relishing the utter completion of having her lovers share her body like this. Forward and back, forward and back... Aaron held his breath, trying to prolong the pleasure of fucking Kata, but the rub of Adam’s dick against his through the thin muscle separating them added to the pure bliss of this unbelievably sensual encounter. In his moderate sexual experience, making love to a woman consisted of kissing, petting, and screwing. Making love to Kata engaged more than his body. His heart, his mind, and his entire being were involved. He couldn’t love her more than he did at that moment, even more so since he was sharing her with his brother. The expression on Adam’s face convinced him his brother felt the same. She tipped her hips forward, and they all moaned. Her breath hitched and her pussy tightened around Aaron’s dick as she jerked back and then forward again. “So. Close.”

70

Mellanie Szereto

“Come with us, Kata.” Grasping her thighs, he pushed upward with four quick thrusts, letting every sensation wash over him and drive him to the edge. The hot squeeze of her inner muscles, her nipples drilling at his chest, the pressure from Adam’s cock in her ass. “God, honey, I’m gonna come!” A scream blended with his roar and moments later, Adam joined them with a yell. Aaron’s rapid pulse pounded in his ears, his breath coming in shallow gasps. He wrapped his arms around a trembling Kata, holding her through one aftershock after another. Her body milked every last drop of cum from him. Adam buried his face in her hair, muffling his shaky voice. “That was so fucking hot. Amazing. Perfect.” “Mmm.” Kata’s hum vibrated through Aaron’s chest. With a noisy exhale, Adam eased off her but not out, his hand stroking her back. “Want to go for a quick dip with me? I need to wash up before we eat.” She lifted her cheek a few inches, twisting to look at him. “Would you mind if we stayed like this a little longer?” Adam leaned down to kiss her cheek. “Anything you want. Absolutely anything, sweetheart.” She turned a bit farther and met his lips. “I’ve never been more content in my life.” She straightened, dropping a soft kiss on Aaron’s mouth. A smile lit up her eyes. “I’m happy.” Enough to spend the rest of your life with us? He’d met her all of three days ago. Telling her he loved her this soon was out of the question. Marriage? Unless they never got off this island, bigamy wasn’t exactly an option. “I’m happy too.” “I’m ecstatic.” Adam let out a low rumbling chuckle. “If this is insanity, I’ll take it.” Aaron agreed. ****

Two if by Sea

71

Hovering between wakefulness and sleep, Kata savored the warmth cradling her back and the heartbeat drumming beneath her ear. Adam was her pillow, Aaron her blanket. They were her mates. She knew it as surely as she knew her name. Great Aunt Magdolna had promised that she’d recognize the man who would father her child. Did the wise old woman have any idea a woman in their family could find more than the usual single mate? Would Kata bear a daughter with each of her lovers? What would her great grandmother have to say about loving two men? The Macska matriarch might not like it, but Kata wasn’t letting go of either of her men. If her family refused to accept this break from tradition, she would dig into the family tree until she found an ancestor who had found a way around the unspoken rule—and no one knew the history of the Macska clan better than Kata. Somehow, she’d fulfill her familial duty and keep her shot at happiness. First, someone had to assist Éva in the spell to return her and her lovers to the real world. Certainly by now, the elders of the household had figured out what had happened. They might need several days to reverse her cousin’s mistakes. Or at least, the one that had brought Kata and Aaron into the picture. She didn’t want to think about Adam being even temporarily left behind. Soon. They’ll rescue us soon. All of us. Blinking away sleep, she peered up at the lightening sky. Sunrise would arrive sooner rather than later. She dreaded leaving her lovers to return to the sea again—but not because she should be working on producing a daughter to carry on her family name. Her stomach cramped and a tear leaked from the corner of her eye to roll down her cheek. “Hey, sweetheart, what’s wrong?” Adam’s whisper startled her. How had he known she was crying? She sniffled. “Morning’s coming.” Aaron’s arm tightened around her waist. “We’ll be right here waiting for you when night falls again. We’ll always wait for you.”

72

Mellanie Szereto

She nodded. “I know.” Combing his fingers through her hair, Adam kissed her forehead. “And do you know how much we love you?” His question brightened her sadness with a ray of sunshine. She couldn’t have stopped her smile if she’d wanted to. “As much as I love you both.” Aaron nuzzled her neck. “That’ll get me through the day. Exactly what I wanted to hear.” Joy. It was the only word she could think of to describe the pure happiness in her heart, strong enough to drown the disappointment of having to be separated from these truly remarkable men for another day. She closed her eyes against the first flash of light above the horizon, savoring every last second of connection with Aaron and Adam. The sounds of their breathing and the gentle shush of the waves on the beach distracted her from the change to come. Elements of motion flow, The stillness in this picture go. Make this likeness of my teacher To the mermaid almost reach her. Waters rise and waters fall, And give her life to share with all. Do no harm and blessed be. Good for all, so mote it be. The words from her cousin’s incantation whispered in Kata’s mind, the ones she’d heard at the front door of her home. Except somehow they seemed...different. Pastel blue, pink, and yellow swirls colored the backs of her eyelids. A light breeze caressed her skin and a faint tingle flowed from her waist to her toes. Time stood still, stealing the air from her lungs. The squeezing went on until she expected her soul to float out

Two if by Sea

73

of her lifeless body. Then the pressure was gone. She gulped in a breath, trying to fill her lungs again. Voices echoed in her head. Weightlessness faded. The warmth of her lovers remained. **** Aaron bent over Kata’s face, his cheek close to her open mouth, waiting for her to exhale against his skin. Twenty-nine, thirty, thirtyone. At least half a minute had passed since she’d slumped into him in a dead faint. No, not dead. She hadn’t taken a breath in that time. Please, not dead. He adjusted his two fingers at her neck, hoping to find a pulse. Nothing. “What the hell just happened?” Adam’s panic was evident in the demanding tone of his voice. Cradling her inert body in his arms, his eyes darted from Kata to Aaron and back again. “We were just lying there, and she—Fuck, she can’t die! We can’t lose her!” “I don’t know, Adam. I’m starting CPR. Lay her on the mat so I can start chest compressions.” Aaron forced down his own panic. He couldn’t do a damn thing to save her if he didn’t focus. Settling his linked hands over her breastbone, he pushed then released. “One and two and three and four and—” “Stop! You’re going to hurt her! It isn’t helping!” Shit, he didn’t have time to explain to Adam that hurting her beat the hell out of letting her die. “Eight and nine and ten and—” A sudden gasp jerked her head back and her chest upward. Aaron fought the relieved sob creeping up his throat in favor of lifting her head onto his lap. He brushed several stray strands of hair from her face. “Breathe, honey, breathe.” Adam grasped her hands, rubbing them between his. “Sweetheart, are you okay? Please answer me, Kata.”

74

Mellanie Szereto

She inhaled again, slow and even. Then an easy exhale. She blinked a few times before she finally seemed fully conscious. “What happened? Couldn’t breathe.” Aaron wished he knew. Glancing up at the sky, he noticed the sun hovering above the horizon. His stomach dropped to his feet. Morning. “Water, Adam. I think she’s dehydrated again.” Unable to keep his eyes from straying to what had been her legs less than five minutes ago, he did a double take. Smooth, tanned skin still covered shapely legs where shiny green scales should’ve formed the outer protective layer of her mermaid tail. “You...you...didn’t change. Kata, honey, you’re still...human.” Damn, he wanted to jump to his feet and cheer. She hadn’t changed. She could spend every minute of the day with him and Adam instead of being alone in the sea. They could make love together after gathering more food and water. Together. No more living more than half of every twenty-four-hour period without her. “Holy. Fucking. Mermaids.” Water dribbled down Aaron’s bare shoulder from the coconut bowl in Adam’s hand. “You still have legs.” She eased up on her elbows, wiggling her toes, a tentative smile curving up the outer corners of her mouth. “They know.” They know? Who knows? What’s she talking about? Was she delirious from lack of oxygen? “They who?” Adam apparently thought asking her outright was the way to go. He knelt next to her, holding the bowl of water to her lips. “Take a drink, sweetheart.” Kata sipped rather than answering the question, her eyes closing as she swallowed. What little color she’d had in her cheeks paled. Could she be dizzy? Disoriented? Aaron hoped like hell she didn’t pass out and stop breathing again. “We’ll talk about what happened later, Adam. She needs to rest.” Helping her settle back on the mat, he lay down beside her, needing to touch her and make certain she was okay. “Try to sleep, honey. Adam

Two if by Sea

75

and I will be right here with you.” Kata let the warmth of Aaron’s body seep into hers. Adam moved to cradle her from the other side, easing the tension in her muscles. She slowly inhaled then exhaled. Her addled brain had almost allowed her to reveal the one secret she wasn’t quite ready to share with her mates. Would they think she was joking when she finally told them she was a witch? Or would they look at her like she was a freak? Put her in a straitjacket because they thought she was crazy? Their love was too new to risk telling them now, or even tomorrow. Perhaps she shouldn’t wish to be rescued from Éva’s wayward spell just yet.

76

Mellanie Szereto

Chapter 10 Hearing another of Kata’s heavy sighs behind him, Adam couldn’t hold back his grin. She did not like being waited on. Three days after her scaring the shit of him and Aaron by not breathing when she was supposed to have been morphing into a mermaid, and he still couldn’t bring himself to let her lift a finger. Lots of sex and some playing in the ocean, yes, but no working. She’d tried to argue that she was perfectly fine and she should be helping with food and water collection, but he’d distracted her with a kiss, more than once. Himself, too. If he’d been wearing socks, they would’ve blown clean off his feet. “I don’t need to take a nap. I’m not tired.” A breathy yawn belied her assertion. Aaron chuckled beside him. “I suppose the yawn is because you’re bored?” She gave an unladylike snort. “Well, yes.” Nudging his brother with his elbow, Adam raised his eyebrows at him. “So you need something to occupy your time?” Giving an almost imperceptible nod, Aaron turned to face her. “Your doctors insist that whatever activity you do, you must stay in bed.” Casting a glance over his shoulder at Kata, Adam caught the moment she understood what Aaron meant. Her eyes lit up and a wicked smile signaled her approval of the plan. She uncrossed her legs, bending her knees and putting her feet flat on the sleeping mat as she spread her thighs and exposed her pretty cunt. “I think I need a thorough examination.”

Two if by Sea

77

With a growl, Aaron dove between her legs and buried his face in her pussy. Her fingers tangled in his hair, holding him in place. Grateful they’d decided to forego clothing since she’d become human all day and all night, Adam settled near her head and leaned in for a kiss. He swallowed her first moan and focused on inciting more. Reaching for a generous handful of tit, he rubbed his thumb over the pert bud forming from her nipple. She shuddered under his hand and moaned again. “Want me to suck your tasty berries while Aaron fucks you? Then we can switch after he makes you come. You’ll be so wet from his juice I’ll slide right in and make you come again. Afternoon double delight.” For the...fifth time in three days. Her breath came in shallow pants. “Yes, I want both of you.” Evidently not needing any more encouragement than her simple statement, Aaron sat back on his heels and tugged her legs around his hips. She arched off the mat, offering her sweet pussy to his dick. Watching him guide his cock to her entrance made Adam’s erection twitch and throb. So fucking hot. Did Aaron get the same thrill, playing voyeur while Adam fucked her? Moving to her breast, Adam circled the rosy brown areola, teasing her hard nub with light flicks of his tongue. Unable to resist, he sucked the puckered tip into his mouth as he turned to see Kata’s reactions play across her face. Eyelids heavy, cheeks flushed, lips parted. With Aaron’s every thrust, she gasped and let out a sexy feminine moan. “Do you want Adam to play with your clit while I pound inside you, honey?” The unsteadiness of Aaron’s voice spoke of a man about to shoot his load. “Yes, oh, yes!” Kata’s shaky response warned them she was nearing her own orgasm. Snaking his hand down her belly, Adam dipped his middle finger into her wetness, finding her swollen clitoris on the first swipe. He rubbed over it, back and forth, as he toyed with her nipple, occasionally bumping into the stiff cock sliding in and out of her tight

78

Mellanie Szereto

tunnel. Aaron’s groans intensified, growing louder and more abrupt, joining the ever-increasing, higher-pitched cries of their lover. Her abdominals quivered beneath Adam’s arm and her pussy spasmed under his finger. She cried out, arching and trembling as Aaron shoved into her one last time with a final moan. Adam tensed his muscles, holding in the rush of blood to his balls. Who would’ve thought he’d nearly get his rocks off helping his brother make their woman come? “My turn.” With his breathing shallow and his heart thumping in his chest, Aaron let his shoulders slump forward. His satisfied dick slipped from Kata’s drenched pussy as he unwrapped her legs from his waist. Crawling to the opposite side of the mat, he helped her sit up so he could slide in behind her and cradle her beautiful tits in his hands. Adam moved between her thighs, pre-cum oozing from the head of his purple cock. They clearly shared a fondness for being part of a threesome. Giving her pleasure, taking a turn inside her, watching while another man fucked her. No, not just any man. Only his brother. Touching his palm to Kata’s cheek, Adam pressed a kiss to her lips then tucked his legs under hers and around Aaron’s back. “Put your legs over mine, Aaron. I want our perfect lover between us. Right where she belongs.” They squeezed closer together, their bodies tangled in a bond only the three of them could break. Adam grasped her waist, lifting her over his erection then lowering her onto him. With a slow, easy rhythm, he repeated the action over and over. “You feel so good, sweetheart. I can feel Aaron’s cum inside you. So wet. I’m going to come inside you too. We both love you and we’re going to share every part of you. Do you love us, Kata?” She leaned her head back against Aaron’s shoulder, her long hair sweeping down his back in a silky wave. “You know I do. I love you both. I want to spend the rest of my life with my true loves.” Her softly spoken words sent a wonderful tingle up his spine and

Two if by Sea

79

to his heart. Adam was right. She was their perfect lover. Their perfect love. Adam smiled and leaned forward to nuzzle her neck. “Even when we get back to the real world?” “Yes.” Her promise was firm and sure, not a single ounce of doubt or hesitation coming through in her words. The speed of his thrusts didn’t change, but Adam’s muscles trembled and tensed. “Then we are one. Time to make you come, Kata.” Her soft cry mixed with his sudden rumbling groan, and Aaron held them both as they leaped over the edge into blissful orgasm. A deep sense of fulfillment washed over his soul as if he’d gone with them. Maybe he had. Their connection went beyond physical and emotional. Adam had said it best. We are one. **** The surf rushed toward Kata’s bare feet as she stood in the wet sand, staring out at the darkening horizon. The moon wouldn’t rise for several hours, but she didn’t need to see it to know tomorrow was the third quarter in its cycle. She no longer felt any pressure to conceive her daughter. If she was pregnant or became pregnant in the next twenty-four hours, fine. If not, she’d survive. She’d found her mates, and that was all that mattered. Having a child with them would be amazing. She could live her life without bearing their children so long as she had Aaron and Adam. Would she know whether she conceived if or when it happened? Her cousin Lujza only had to touch a woman to recognize her state of maternity or not. Lu could tell single, twins, or triplets, the sex of the baby or babies, even who had fathered the child or children. Hopefully, she wouldn’t be in the welcoming party when Kata and her men arrived back at the mansion. Kata needed to explain the situation to Great Grandmother Romána before anyone got wind of

80

Mellanie Szereto

her relationship with Adam and Aaron. A pair of arms wrapped around her waist from behind and soft lips kissed her neck. “I hold my breath through every sunrise and moonrise, scared to death you might change again.” Turning in his grasp, she leaned her cheek on Aaron’s chest and hugged him. “I’d still love you. I’ll always love you and Adam. You’ve made me happier than I ever thought I could be.” “I’ve been thinking about how we should handle our relationship if—no, when we get back. Obviously, you can’t marry both of us. What will your family say? I know all the Macskas live together at the mansion, but if they don’t accept that Adam and I both love you, would you consider living with us in our apartment?” He stroked her hair, gathering a handful then letting it slip through his fingers. “I don’t know how they’ll react. They have certain...expectations. I can’t leave my family, and I won’t allow them to force me to choose. My future is with you and Adam.” She couldn’t keep from broaching the subject she’d have to lay on the table soon. “My family is...different. We hold to certain beliefs and traditions. They might seem strange at first, but they’re part of who we are, who I am. Will you be able to keep an open mind before you pass judgment?” Adam slipped up behind her, his half-erect cock fitting in the crease of her ass. “You’re not having a serious discussion about us without me, are you? To answer your question—unless you’ve got a closet full of ax-murderers at home, we’ll deal with the oddities. We’re committing ourselves to you, not your family. Dysfunction goes with the territory.” But would they understand and accept what all Macska women were destined to be? Kissing the top of her head, Aaron clasped one of her hands in his. “You’re sweet, kind, and generous, Kata. Nothing can make me love you any less.” Adam linked his fingers through her other hand and pressed his lips to her bare shoulder. “Same here, sweetheart.”

Two if by Sea

81

Her heart insisted she trust them. Her brain had its doubts. Time to bring up another topic that had crossed her mind on several occasions over the last three days. “I also think we should start wearing clothes.” Both men pulled away to gawk at her. “Now, before you say anything, just listen. What if we suddenly get...beamed back to the mansion? Showing up naked would require more explaining than I want to do. I’m not sure whether I’d appear in the clothes I was wearing when we...poofed. I mean, I became a topless mermaid on the way here.” Aaron’s mouth formed a thin, crooked line like he was holding back a grin. Adam, on the other hand, waggled his eyebrows at her and laughed. “You make such a lovely topless mermaid.” Aaron rolled his eyes at his brother, a smile curving his lips. “Okay, honey. You have a valid point. Shorts for Adam and me. A shirt for you.” “If I have to.” Sending her a pouty frown, Adam stepped close enough to caress her bottom. “Damn, I’m going to miss seeing this all day long.” She heaved a mental sigh of relief. They’d both agreed, and none too soon. Her intuition told her that a spell would take them home sometime tomorrow. She had mixed feelings about going back— wanting to see her family versus spending all her time with her mates. Telling them what she was took on new importance. First thing in the morning. **** Tucking a slice of orange in his mouth, Adam glanced at Kata out of the corner of his eye. She was checking the height of the sun in the sky again. He’d caught her doing it at least four times since she’d sat down to lunch with him and Aaron. She picked up a banana then set it back on the mat without taking

82

Mellanie Szereto

a bite, seeming nervous and distracted. The conversation about wearing clothes roared to the forefront of his thoughts. Was she expecting them to suddenly abracadabra home? Then he remembered her comment about the beliefs and traditions of her family. Were they clairvoyant? Did she know things? Did she have visions? He’d asked a few questions about the Macskas when he and Aaron had moved out of the city to the medium-sized town where Kata lived. The most anyone could tell him was they were of Hungarian descent, maybe from gypsies. He’d never heard about palm readings or crystal ball fortune-telling in those four months. None of the kids went to the public school, and the mansion complex seemed almost like a hippie commune. They grew their own produce, homeschooled their children, limited their contact with the outside world. She blew out a noisy exhale. Her eyes skipped from Aaron’s direction to Adam. “There’s something I need to tell you. I hinted at it last night, and this morning I wasn’t ready.” So I was right! She has some kind of special powers. “This is really difficult. Will you each hold my hand?” She offered her left to him and her right to Aaron and took another deep breath when they threaded their fingers through hers. “I’ve never shared my secret with anyone, but you need to know before we go back home.” Her face suddenly went pale and a whisper passed through her parted lips. “No! Not yet!” A strange buzzing sounded in Adam’s ears and he glanced at Aaron to confirm he wasn’t alone in the weirdness. The jungle behind his brother blurred, and then colored lights flashed around them. Fuck! The vortex is next! Where are we going to land? He tightened his hold on Kata and grabbed for Aaron’s free hand. His stomach pitched and rolled, making him dizzy for several seconds. Then everything around them went dark.

Two if by Sea

83

Chapter 11 Blinking away his off-kilter sense of balance, Aaron immediately checked to be sure Kata and Adam were with him. He still held both their hands, but Adam was on his knees, bent over at the waist like he might lose his lunch, clad in his work clothes. Kata lay between them in her skirt and tank top, the color washed from her face and her eyes closed. Aaron’s heart clenched in his chest. Pulling his hands free, he grasped her wrist to find her pulse. Please let her be okay. His thumb searched the delicate skin of her inner wrist, not feeling even a faint thump. He moved to her neck, breathing a sigh of relief when a steady beat pulsed against his fingers. “Kata, honey, are you okay?” Her soft exhale was the only response, but at least she was breathing. Reaching out to Adam, he touched his brother’s shoulder. “You okay, Adam?” A noisy swallow accompanied a brisk nod. “A little queasy. Kata?” “Unconscious but breathing.” Aaron finally surveyed their surroundings. Hardwood floor beneath them, a staircase to his left, a group of dark-eyed, dark-haired women intently watching him to his right. Among them was the older lady who’d let him wait inside the front door for his delivery recipient. “Let me through.” The only short-haired female of the bunch pushed past two teenage girls to kneel beside Kata. She slowly lowered a hand to Kata’s forehead then jerked back. Looking up at the old woman who’d stepped up behind her, she nodded. “Yes, Great

84

Mellanie Szereto

Grandmother Romána.” She twisted her long skirt in her fists. “There are...two.” She knows about Adam and me? Aaron held his breath, waiting for the bomb to drop. Romána’s straight-spined posture didn’t alter, but her eyes widened and she smiled. “Two daughters, Lujza?” Daughters? Confusion ruled Aaron’s thoughts. What were they talking about? Lujza’s gaze shifted to him, then onto Adam. She shook her head. “Um, no, ma’am.” The old woman’s happy expression became a frown. “Not daughters? How can this be?” “One.” Lujza wiped her hands down her skirt, seeming to gather her earlier pushiness. “One of the babies is a girl, the other a boy. They have...different fathers. Kata has taken two mates.” I’m going to be a daddy? Aaron gulped for air, a wave of lightheadedness blurring his vision again. Not that he wasn’t thrilled to know she carried his child inside her, but damn. The younger woman pinned an accusing glare on Aaron. “This man, and that man.” The uncomfortable stare moved from Aaron to Adam. “Babies?” Adam leaned in to lay his hand on Kata’s stomach. “She’s pregnant?” “Yes, you fool. You’ve been having unprotected sex with her, haven’t you?” Lujza stood, planting her fists on her hips. “Leave it to a man to ask a stupid question.” She turned toward her great grandmother. “And you wonder why I have no interest in submitting to that particular duty. If Kata’s going to pop them out two at a time, you don’t need me.” Romána’s gaze followed Lujza as her great granddaughter stomped down the hall beyond the staircase. “I believe I’d like a few words with Kata’s mates. Alone.”

Two if by Sea

85

**** Adam refused to let the hundred-year-old—by his rough calculation—incarnation of a wicked mother-in-law intimidate him. He sat next to Aaron on the parlor sofa and met her unwavering stare. His brother didn’t seem to notice her, just perched on the edge of the cushion so he could see into the canyon of a foyer, where Kata still lay under the care of her female relatives. She fired her first question. “You young men knowingly entered into relationships with my granddaughter at the same time?” His brother being otherwise occupied, Adam nodded. “Yes, ma’am. Aaron and I decided to share her since we were both attracted to her and she was attracted to both of us.” Her expression didn’t change. “So you were sexually attracted to her?” “Well, yes, ma’am. I’m not in the habit of sleeping with women I don’t want to have sex with.” Her jaw tightened and her eyes narrowed. “Did she tell you she loved you?” Adam’s heart skipped a beat as he remembered hearing Kata say those words. He smiled. “Yes, right after we told her how much we love her.” Aaron finally turned his attention to their prosecutor. “Even if she hadn’t, I would’ve known. I can feel it every time I touch her.” The old woman seemed to relax a bit with their responses. “Did she tell you about the commitment you must make to her and this family if you wish to have a future with her?” “No, Great Grandmother, I haven’t.” They all wrenched around toward the doorway at Kata’s voice. “I was trying to when you...when we...came home.” Hurrying to the entrance to the parlor, he and Aaron guided her to the couch, sitting close to her on either side. Adam threaded his fingers through hers. “You should be resting, Kata.”

86

Mellanie Szereto

“I’m fine.” The lack of color in her cheeks said otherwise. Aaron kissed her forehead. “You passed out both times we did the...traveling thing, and you stopped breathing when you didn’t change. Now the babies. We can talk about this stuff lat—” “Babies?” Kata’s breath caught in her lungs. Babies? She was pregnant? She glanced back and forth between Adam and Aaron then to her great grandmother. Babies, as in more than one? The Macska matriarch nodded. “Yes, daughter. Your cousin says you’re carrying two babies. A girl and...a boy. These men are the fathers.” Both of them? Kata raised her gaze to the ceiling. Oh, Goddess, you have blessed me! A tear trickled down her cheek as she smiled and turned first to Aaron. “I love you.” “I know, my love.” She saw all his emotion in his eyes, giving her hope that he might accept what she was. Then she faced Adam. “And I love you.” His grin sent a tickle to her tummy. “I tried to tell your grandmother, but I’m not sure she believed me. I love you too, sweetheart.” “Great Grandmother, may I show them my suite upstairs while I explain?” Romána gave another nod. “The decision must be made by sunset.” Kata stood. Knowing she owed her grandmother a great debt, she took several long moments to kiss the old woman’s cheek and give her a hug as she whispered in her ear. “I missed you. Thank you for bringing us back.” **** Opening the door to her private apartment on the third floor, Kata gestured for her lovers to enter. She led them through the sitting room and into her spacious bedroom, closing doors behind her to ensure

Two if by Sea

87

they weren’t interrupted. With a fortifying breath, she settled into her favorite chair near the fireplace. “Please make yourselves comfortable. I have to finish telling you what I started to before...when we still on the island.” Adam plopped down in the club chair across from her. “This has to do with your powers, doesn’t it?” He waved his hand at his brother to have a seat. “Your family has special abilities, right? Like the one named Lujza, who touched you and knew you were pregnant. What, you have ESP or something?” Powers? Where had he gotten that idea? “Um, not exactly. You see, for generations the woman in my family have been... Well, actually, we only have daughters. I’ll bet everyone just about fainted when my cousin told you I’m having a son. Did Lu say who fathered which baby?” Her mind tried to go off on another tangent, but she forced her mouth closed. Why was telling them so difficult? “Not that it matters.” Aaron shook his head. “No, she didn’t say, and it doesn’t matter. Your children are ours. Not his and mine. Ours. We made them together, the three of us.” “No one has ever had a baby boy?” Adam tapped his fingers on the arm of the chair. “What are the odds?” He pushed to his feet, pacing to the bed. “Is this where we’ll be sleeping if your family approves of our relationship?” More like if you don’t decide to leave after I tell you I’m a witch. She’d moved into the new suite less than a month ago in anticipation of her finding a mate and conceiving a daughter. The king-size bed would easily accommodate her and her lovers. A luxurious full bath lay beyond the door to the left of the fireplace and on the adjacent wall, a nursery awaited decorating and furnishing. “Yes, this would be our bedroom.” “I think we should try out the bed.” Pacing to her, Adam lifted her from her seat and carried her across the room. “You scared us half to death when you passed out again. We need to be with you.”

88

Mellanie Szereto

Aaron appeared beside him, already shirtless. “Whatever you want to discuss can wait until we’ve made love to you and know you’re okay.” Setting her on the mattress, Adam stripped off his clothes as his brother finished undressing, the sight of their unclothed bodies sending fire through her veins. “A bit of celebration is in order as well. We’re starting a family. That’s so damn awesome.” As he climbed in next to her, Aaron lifted her tank top and kissed her belly. “Incredible.” Kata couldn’t help but smile at the enthusiasm they showed at having the news of fatherhood dropped on them. Hopefully, their lovemaking would lead to a lifetime together and not become a final goodbye. She couldn’t think of that now. She’d treasure every minute with them and bury the worries that this might be their last time. “Love me.” “Always, Kata.” Aaron kissed her again, tasting her sweet mouth instead of bestowing his affection on their unborn children. Her tongue rubbed against his, and he let her lead his passion along the wonderful path to intense desire. He eased her skirt and panties past her hips while Adam joined them on the bed and worked her top upward. “Do you want both of us inside you?” “Yes. Oh, yes.” The huskiness in her voice sent shivers over Aaron’s skin to his balls. “Aloe gel in the nightstand drawer.” He reached behind him to find the front of the nightstand, then the drawer handle, and finally the jar of aloe. With her beautiful breasts bared, he focused his attention on laving her puckered nipples as Adam’s fingers slipped between her thighs. A masculine groan carried to his ears, followed by a lusty feminine moan. “You’re so wet already, Kata. Are you ready to be fucked, sweetheart?” Adam tugged on her waist, pulling her out of Aaron’s reach and on top of him to straddle his hips. “Yes.” She leaned forward, her mouth covering Adam’s in a thorough kiss while her tits brushed his chest.

Two if by Sea

89

Aaron opened the jar of aloe, spreading a generous glob on his hard cock, watching while his brother lowered their lover onto his erection. Adam and Kata rocked together a few times before Aaron scooped another fingerful of lube and positioned himself behind her. He rubbed the gel over her tight hole, easing a slippery finger inside. Her muscles gripped and flexed around him then relaxed to let him slide past the outer ring. He added a second finger, loosening her snug opening in preparation for his dick. Adam’s stiff cock crowded his invasion, reminding him of the glide against his brother as they filled her. “Now, Aaron. I need both of you now.” Her pleading almost sent Aaron over the edge. “Whatever you want, honey.” Holding apart her gorgeous ass, he let the slick aloe guide him deep inside until his balls rested against her. The pressure of Adam in her pussy increased the incredible pleasure of being one with her. “Damn, you feel so good. I love sharing you.” He set a steady rhythm of in, out, in, out. With every advance and retreat, they all moaned. Her inner muscles trembled, warning him she was about to come, even as she gasped and cried out. “Now! Oh, yes, now!” Her spasms squeezed and milked him, shoving him headfirst into oblivion. His coarse yell echoed in his ears. Then his brother gave a loud groan and stiffened, his dick pulsing against Aaron’s through the thin layer separating them. “Fuck, that’s amazing!” Adam blew out a noisy exhale and pulled Kata down to his chest. “I hope it feels as fantastic to you as it does to me, sweetheart.” “Perfect.” Her soft word soaked into Aaron’s heart, feeding his love for her and making it grow. “I love you so much. Both of you. Always remember that.” Her declaration seemed almost like a warning of something...foreboding. Whatever she had to tell them couldn’t be so

90

Mellanie Szereto

terrible that it would change their feelings about her. Adam stroked his palm down her spine. “Okay, Kata. We’ve played avoidance long enough. Tell us your deep, dark secret.” She tried to disconnect, but Aaron held her in place. “We stay just the way we are unless we’re hurting you. Trust us, honey. Nothing you say will make us want to walk away.” “I’m a... I belong to a family of...witches.”

Two if by Sea

91

Chapter 12 Witches? A vision of pointy-hatted hags hovering over a steaming cauldron flashed through Aaron’s mind. The good witch from The Wizard of Oz came next. Kata was hardly a sugarcoated ball of pink fluff, either. Then he remembered what he’d called her when she’d refused his invitation to dinner the day they’d met. His stomach twisted. Not good, even if it was true. Had she somehow sent them to the island? “You mean like the Hogwarts kind?” Adam sounded way too excited about that prospect. “No.” She lowered her chin to her chest, her hair swinging forward to form a curtain in front of her face. “We’re raised to cultivate our skills. We learn to live in balance with nature. It’s our heritage, although we seldom have cause to use charms and incantations. I was helping my cousin with her lessons when Aaron and I were spelled into a painting. She isn’t proficient at writing spells yet. I think she sent you into the painting first by accident, Adam.” Spells? Charms? Incantations? Normally, Aaron didn't believe in that kind of nonsense, but looking back on everything that happened, he was relieved to have an explanation that didn’t involve a mental breakdown. Can I live with being in love with a witch? Adam grinned. “Cool. How did she send me instead of someone else?” With a slight shrug, Kata’s hair completely hid her expression. “She used the term ‘waters’ in the spell that put Aaron and me into the painting. If she used similar phrasing when you were within the bounds of the estate...”

92

Mellanie Szereto

“So, the spell recognized me?” “Possibly.” Aaron’s chest tightened at the remorse he heard in her voice. I have to give her the benefit of the doubt. I told her nothing could make us leave her, and nothing will. He lifted her hair, gathering the silky strands in his hands. “You don’t hurt people.” She shook her head. “No. Knowingly inflicting harm is forbidden. We use magick to help keep our secret from the outside world. Most people wouldn’t understand.” Aaron pressed a kiss to her neck. Damn it. I trust her. A witch was better than manipulative...muggle. “We’re not most people. You would never hurt anyone. I know that.” Adam nodded. “You’re a witch. Fine. I can handle that. Your great grandmother said something about a commitment to you and your family. What do we need to do?” Kata swallowed a sob, so grateful for her lovers’ understanding. Aaron had asked her to trust them, and she did—just as they clearly trusted her. “Any man who wishes to be mated with a Macska woman must take the vow of commitment and secrecy, or have all memories of his relationship with her purged from his mind. All contact must be severed if he chooses not to stay with her for life. He will never know his daughter.” Adam frowned. “What kind of guy walks away from the woman he supposedly loves, and his child? That never happens, does it?” “She’s always pregnant when he has to make the choice?” Aaron’s question made her stomach cramp. “Yes, it has happened. One of my great aunts was refused. She chose not to take another mate when the time came again.” She eased off Adam and Aaron let her release him. Settling in the middle of the bed, she took a deep breath before offering a complete explanation of the mating process. “Every seven years between the ages of twentyone and forty-two, we enter a fertile period beginning with the full moon following our birthdays. It lasts until the third-quarter moon—

Two if by Sea

93

one week. Our sex drives increase with the need to find a mate, but conception only occurs if both partners are emotionally committed to each other. Or, in our case, all three—which is a first for the Macskas. If one of you had only a sexual connection to me, I wouldn’t have conceived a child with that partner.” With a nod, Aaron moved to lean on the headboard beside Adam. “That explains the how, and I’m glad you can’t get pregnant with just anybody. But why not make the commitment before the baby?” She clasped her hands in her lap to keep from reaching for them both. They had to make their decision without the influence of a sexual haze. “The hormones during the fertile period can make logical thinking rather difficult. Not that love is logical under normal circumstances. Attraction doesn’t equal mate. I wanted both of you, but I didn’t know the first time we made love whether or not we were mated, and I had no idea I could have two mates.” Aaron and Adam shared a look, one she couldn’t decipher but somehow knew was important. As brothers, they probably read each other’s moods and feelings, just as she and her sisters did. They were silent for several more seconds, long enough to make her begin to wonder if they would choose her and their children or... No, I trust them. They love me and the babies we’ve made together. They need time to understand. A knock sounded on the sitting room door, followed by the click of a door opening and then another knock at the bedroom door. “Kata? Great Grandmother sent me to ask if they’ve made a decision.” The voice grew louder as Lu opened the bedroom door. “Goddess, I should’ve known. You’re up here screwing those two instead of telling them we’re witches.” “Witches are better than bitches.” Adam made no move to cover himself. Didn’t he realize the dangers of antagonizing her cousin? Evidently not. Lu grinned. “Oh. I’m going to have a good time turning that one into a toad.”

94

Mellanie Szereto

Wonderful. Adam laughed. “Let me guess. You don’t have a mate, do you, so you’re not getting any, are you?” Lu’s smirk became a fierce frown. “FYI, I don’t want one...or any.” “Tell your great grandmother we’ve decided.” At Aaron’s calm statement, Lu hurried out Kata’s suite, slamming the door as she left. **** Aaron scanned the entryway as he descended the main staircase with Kata and Adam. No crowd of angry women waited for them, no suspicious stares, no irate father. Or great grandmother. He’d almost expected a lynch mob after Lu left, but they’d been left alone to nap, shower, and dress. Two of Kata’s cousins had even brought dinner to the sitting room for them. “Great Grandmother Romána will be in the water garden this evening.” Kata’s anxiety came through in her shaky voice. He gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. “She wouldn’t have wanted to know if we’d made a decision if she wasn’t going to allow the union. We would’ve been run out of the house hours ago.” “And we would’ve taken you with us.” Adam brought her hand to his lips as they headed down the long hall Aaron had noticed earlier during the landing party. “How can you be so calm?” Kata guided them past several open doors. The parlor, a study, a massive library. Pausing to brush a strand of hair from her face, Aaron smiled. “Because I know we’re doing the right thing.” She rose on her tiptoes, giving him a hug, then did the same with Adam. “Thank you.” “Thank you, sweetheart.” Linking his fingers with hers again, Adam shook his head. “Now, no more stalling.” They walked to the next doorway, cutting through what seemed to

Two if by Sea

95

be another parlor to the French doors on the far side of the room. A large patio welcomed them outside, bordered by flowers and lit tiki torches. A break in the blooming profusion revealed a worn path lined with more torches, leading to a stone statue by a pond. The same group of women from the foyer circled the sculpture, with several men interspersed between them. A teenage girl turned to meet Aaron’s gaze. “They’re here! They’re here!” The closest end of the circle split as Aaron, Kata, and Adam approached, closing again when they entered the gathering. The old woman from the parlor rounded the statue, smiling as she cupped Kata’s face in her wrinkled hands. “You have chosen well, daughter. The sun sets on the final day of your mating cycle, and the Goddess has blessed you with love and fertility. It is only fitting that you shall join with your mates in the water garden at the base of the Sea Siren.” Aaron’s eyes flicked to the statue, noticing the details of its shape. A mermaid perched on a rock—a physical reminder of their time in the painting. He smiled. “Do you Aaron Waters and Adam Waters offer yourselves freely to my daughter as her life mates and promise to protect her secret as your own?” “I do.” He and his brother spoke as one, clear and strong. “Will you do the same for all your dau...children?” “I will.” Again his and Adam’s voices joined. “Then you have the blessing of the Goddess and this family. May happiness surround you for all your days upon this Earth. Blessed be, my children.” Romána grinned. “I know these young men are ready for permission to kiss their bride, daughter. Don’t keep them waiting.”

96

Mellanie Szereto

THE END WWW.MELLANIESZERETO.COM

ABOUT THE AUTHOR When her fingers aren’t attached to her keyboard, Mellanie Szereto enjoys hiking, Pilates, cooking, gardening, and researching for her stories. Many times, the research partners with her other hobbies, taking her from the Hocking Hills region in Ohio to the Colorado Rockies and the Adirondacks of New York. Sometimes, the trip is no farther than her garden for ingredients and her kitchen to test recipes for her latest steamy tale. Mellanie makes her home in rural Indiana with her husband of twenty-five years and their two children, one dog, and three cats. She is a member of Romance Writers of America and Indiana Romance Writers of America.

Also by The Sextet The Sextet Anthology, Volume 1: Sharing The Sextet Anthology, Volume 2: Dirty Dancing The Sextet Anthology, Volume 3: Occupational Hazards

Available at BOOKSTRAND.COM

Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com